(Orthodoxy Today) - As publicly confirmed by a senior OCA priest and privately confirmed by other OCA priests, at the Nineteenth All-American Council in July 2018, a Resolution aimed at asking the bishops to correct errant clergy and lay persons who promote false teaching on same-sex relationships was rejected by the OCA Synod of Bishops and not permitted to be voted on by the assembly. Concerned that publications such as The Wheel were perceived to be given a tacit blessing by the hierarchy, senior priests urged the bishops, through the resolution, to send an unambiguous message that false teaching will not be tolerated.
The OCA Synod rejected the resolution citing that it was not appropriate for the All-American Council to “give direction” to the Synod. The OCA bishops also did not provide any feedback to revise or edit the priests’ statement to make it more acceptable to them. The answer of the resolution’s sponsors was that the resolution was a plea, not a demand. As a result, publications such as The Wheel continue to disseminate false teaching without episcopal correction.
Here is the Resolution.
Resolution to Petition the Holy Synod to Correct Errant Clergy and Lay Persons on Issues of Same-Sex Erotic Relationships
WHEREAS, there are Orthodox magazines, websites, and articles which seek to theologically normalize same-sex erotic relationships, contradicting the long-held Tradition of the Orthodox Christian faith, and
WHEREAS, the Holy Synod has repeatedly and consistently upheld past statements of the Orthodox Church in America which affirm that sexual relationships are blessed only within the context of a marriage between one man and one woman, and which calls those who have same-sex attractions, motivated by love and out of sincere care for their souls, to a life of steadfast chastity, and
WHEREAS, there are clergy, theologians, teachers, and lay persons within the Orthodox Church in America who have boldly contradicted those teachings which affirm traditional marriage by publishing magazines, websites, and articles challenging those views, attempting to create a theological framework which normalizes same-sex erotic relationships, and
WHEREAS, St Paul writes that such teachings will “increase to more ungodliness”, and that such a “message will spread like cancer” (2 Tim 2:16), misleading the faithful and inquirers seeking the truth, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Nineteenth All-American Council respectfully petitions the members of the Holy Synod to, without hesitation, reprove and correct such clergy, theologians, teachers, and lay persons who dare to challenge the teaching of the Orthodox Church and the authority of her hierarchs by not upholding the traditional teachings on marriage and human sexuality.
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Irresolute resolve resorbs resonant resolution
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If concerned priests can't address the bishops with such issues, I'm not sure why the OCA allows laity as well as priests to have a say in electing the Metropolitan and diocesan bishops.I do agree that often bishops and priests are placed in no-win situations.
ReplyDeleteAh the smoke of Satan. Lord protect and save!
ReplyDeleteThe petition doesn't "give direction" to the bishops but "respectfully petitions the members of the Holy Synod to, without hesitation, reprove and correct such clergy, theologians, teachers, and lay persons who dare to challenge the teaching of the Orthodox Church and the authority of her hierarchs by not upholding the traditional teachings on marriage and human sexuality."
ReplyDeleteIt is not unreasonable to publicly request that the bishops respond and correct those who publicly reject the Church's teaching.
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DeleteThere is a "generalized" (to chose a term) desire, and I would say even consensus within the Orthodox clerical and intellectual class that Orthodoxy should stay away (or above) the "cultural wars". There is a truth in this of course in that an central aspect of our secular situation is the highly passionate politicization of every and all questions. So while I agree with you Fr. Gregory about reasonableness of the request, there is another reason working against it. That said, this assessment is in the end too shallow.
ReplyDeleteWhat said reason does not grasp is that secularism works from within - it is not a pressure from "the outside", and it can not be "contained" or ignored - it must be rejected outright. Orthodoxy unfortunately is not learning the lessons of the history of secularism within the protestants/RC churches, nor is it assimilating its own lessons (the "museum" churches on the east coast), nor even those who warned us of all this such as Fr. Schmemann.
It is probably fair to say that the synod and others justify their stance as rising above the passion of "the cultural wars", and the desire to avoid unintended consequences, etc. Beyond this (and more importantly) there is a real lack of understanding and creativity with Orthodoxy when it comes to the acid of secularism within.
Well said Jake!
DeletePutting on my social scientist cap for just a moment, I would point out that "unintended consequences" are unavoidable because, after all, they are unintended.
So no matter what the bishops intended, "not responding" is a response and so it too brings about unintended consequences. :(
Unfortunately the non action on the part of the RCC to public heresy by its priests and bishops is an example of how Church teaching can be tacitly aknowledged but utterly eviscerated. In short non action is as bad as coming out in support. It will only get worse. Survey your parishes and see where people are at. Without continuous reminders and preaching to stand fast and prepare for martyrdom we will be utterly overcome by the world. The days of security and safety are over.
DeleteTypical episcopal response. Their "dignity" is perceived as being threatened so they simply ignore the plea. Blind guides.
ReplyDeleteI am so absolutely disgusted by the continuing silence of the bishops. Souls are being destroyed by this anti-Orthodox propaganda...and the bishops choose to do nothing! For shame! I think it might be time for the Russian Church to revoke the OCA's autocephaly.
ReplyDeleteNot all are silent. This is the official view of the American diocese of the Bulgarian Patriarchate, along with the mother church as well.
DeleteHomosexuality
The practice of homosexuality is unacceptable according to the teachings of the Orthodox Church. Nevertheless, those who express hatred, ridicule or animosity towards people with a homosexual orientation act contrary to the central Christian ethos of love and compassion for all people.
A person with homosexual inclinations can live a God-pleasing life if he or she wars against this passion. The Church offers support, prayer and assistance for those who repent and seek healing.
The Diocese in accordance with the view of the Orthodox Church does not recognize same-sex marriage and declares that marriage is possible only between a man and a woman.
Rightly stated Mikail. Shameful!
DeleteThank you, Father! If you are the Archimandrite from Michigan, then I know you!
ReplyDeleteI am.
DeleteThen keep up the good work! I know and respect Metropolitan Joseph.
ReplyDeleteThe bishops are not doing their jobs. They're violating their duties to protect the sheep. They refuse to correct and rebuke deceivers inside the OCA! And when good priests try to do it, they reject it and stop it. Shameful!
ReplyDeleteCorrupt and depraved false teachers are spreading falsehoods and heretical ideas while still in the OCA or acting as priests and deacons and the bishops ignore and refuse to deal with them or warn the people. Scandalous!