Public Statement by Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator, Metropolitan Community Churches
 
On the Exclusion of Bishop Gene Robinson from
Participation in the Lambeth Conference of the Anglican Communion

As the Archbishop of Canterbury sent out over 800 invitations to the upcoming Lambeth Conference, global, once-a-decade gathering of Anglican Bishops, four names were omitted from the invitation list, two glaringly so: Bishop V. Gene Robinson and Bishop Martyn Minns. 
 
Bishop  Robinson was excluded because he is openly gay. Though "duly elected and consecrated according to the proper procedures of the Episcopal Church," according to Canon Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Robinson's presence is seen as "divisive" and "scandalous."

Minns, on the other hand, unduly consecrated and now heading a body of churches in the United States not recognized by the global Anglican community, was apparently excluded for his participation in the formulation of a renegade diocese.
 
Though dismayed that the Church of Jesus Christ would exclude any of its shepherds from the table, I also find myself wondering why Bishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria, who consecrated and installed Minns illicitly, has the door held wide open to him?
 
Archbishop Rowan Williams says he has the right to withhold invitations to bishops whose appointment, actions, or manner of life have caused division. Have not his own actions, in excluding two of his colleagues of diverse theological perspective and opinion, "caused division"?  Have not the actions of Bishop Akinola, including his rejection of the collegial authority of Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, because she is a woman, "caused division"?  Jesus' counsel to those of us who place ourselves on the throne of judgment instead of before it is simple and direct, "First, take the log out of your own eye." (Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 7)
 
Bishop Robinson is to be commended for his courage in practicing the truthfulness and fidelity he has long preached. As an obviously gifted and qualified church leader, he should be held in high esteem for responding unhesitatingly to God's call to serve the Church. In a church culture of whispers, secrets, silence and avoidance, Bishop Robinson's stand of truthfulness distinguishes him.

In light of Archbishop Rowan's decision, I commend to you the words of Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd, who guides MCC's work in the United Kingdom: "How tragic that thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Anglicans have been shunned by the Archbishop’s decision. Even more tragic is that many of these will understand this as God's rejection. Perhaps most tragic of all is that at a time when a united Church could call the world to peace, work for justice, feed the hungry and heal the suffering, it instead divides itself according to internal political agendas."

Likewise, I echo the words of Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, who oversees MCC's ministry and commitment to human rights across Eastern Europe, "To deny Bishop Robinson full participation in the Lambeth Conference seems to be a response to the political agenda of some conservative members of the Anglican Communion. Bishop Robinson’s only "problem" appears to be that he loves another man. Jesus always stood with the marginalized and oppressed. Would Jesus have discriminated against Bishop Robinson? Would he have turned his back and stood with the angry mob? It is my sincere prayer that Archbishop Williams will reconsider his decision to exclude Bishop Robinson from participation as a full member of the Anglican Communion, including his presence at the Lambeth Conference. There should be no second class Bishops."
 
I urge all  people of faith to join me in praying for the Episcopal Church as it continues to wrestle with the question of inclusion. Pray with me for all our brothers and sisters across faith lines, to have the courage to honestly examine the issues of sexuality, including the racialization of sexuality, the history of colonial churches and sexual ethics.
 
The Church Universal must do this work together, in open and honest conversation, for God's sake, and for the sake of all people around God's earth who hunger for faith and spirituality. The exclusion of more and more leaders and members is a terrible and sad price to pay in exchange for avoidance of conflict.

(And in your prayers, please pray for Metropolitan Community Churches, that we might never lose our God-given calling to lead by example, to stand with those who are marginalized and rejected, and to share the hope-filled message of God's unconditional love for all people through Jesus Christ.)

The decision of Archbishop Williams is one that deserves the close scrutiny by all people of faith, for its heart, it serves to further alienate and divide the whole Body of Christ. I urge us all to pray, as Jesus prayed: "May they all be one." (Gospel of John, Chapter 17)
 
+ Nancy
 
Rev. Nancy L. Wilson
Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches