Issues with CEC Healing and Vows
1. The author of CECHB states that he “was in Holy Orders in the Charismatic Epsicopal Church.” He goes on to say that, “ [He] left the movement and was pretty much shunned from [his] former ministry colleagues.” While I understand it must have been a “difficult experience”, I am at a loss as to why he is so shocked he was “shunned” by his former ministry colleagues. The breaking of vows, which I assume he did because he says he was in Holy Orders, brings with it a breaking of relationship. The breaking of a relational vow infers a loss of said relationship. When a married couple disavows their marriage, they are, wait for it, no longer married. Whether or not the two people remain friends is something they each must decide. But given that they have broken their covenant, there would be no surprise to anyone if they ceased all communication with the other person. Now, I’m not condoning this, as I honestly believe one should keep an open mind and heart when it comes to people and relationships–I remain such a person and harbor no ill-will towards those who have left the CEC. However, when one person in relationship gives the proverbial slap to the face of the other, there should be no surprise when the one receiving the slap “shuns” the other.
2. Still regarding vows, the Sacred Vows of the Charismatic Episcopal Church for both priests and deacons reads:
“I declare, as God is my witness, that I will be loyal to the doctrine, discipline,
and worship of Christ as this Church has received them and will, in accordance with the
canons of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, obey my bishop and other ministers who may
have authority over me and my work.
I solemnly declare that I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation; and I do
solemnly engage to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Charismatic
Episcopal Church.”
Two things jump out at me: 1. “…obey my bishop and other ministers who may
have authority over me and my work.”; and 2. “…and I do solemnly engage to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Charismatic Episcopal Church.”
People make mistakes. We are human after all. But, it strikes me as strange that something that should only be entered into under the most holy and solemn of circumstances, as these vows certainly qualify, could be disregarded at the flip of a coin as it were. I am confident that those who have left Holy Orders did so only after extensive prayer and council. Yet, I am dumbfounded as to how many seemingly serious men could abandon their sacred obligation and throw away something as serious as their sacred vows even after extensive prayer and council.What suddenly happened that would convince someone that these vows are no longer worth their value? Scandals, perhaps? Rubbish! There will always be scandal, heresy, jealousy, envy, strife, and doubt with every group. Did you not get the ordination you thought you had coming? Was it purple-shirt fever? I may never know. But the one thing I do know is that when you break off covenant and disregard your vows you cut yourself off from that particular vine and all of the benefits thereof. Sure you may have been “shunned”, but what did you expect? Were you hoping for a parade and a party? Surely I jest. But I do not at all understand your confusion as to the cold reception you were given following your decision to go against your vows. You made your bed, you must sleep in it as well.
3. A third and final point: how exactly does a blog devoted to exposing the alleged shortcomings of the members of one’s former communion bring about healing? This is an honest question. I have no hypothesis regarding the answer to this one. However, as the blog is led by a former CEC minister, I find it repugnant that one who proclaims to be a servant of Christ would devote so much energy to attempting to bring shame on those with whom he served. How sad.
