Albany Via Media

September 13, 2010

To the Editor:

I have been following with interest the conversation between Alison de Kanel and Father Hartt. Rarely, in this diocese, is there a real opportunity for substantive dialogue between the various ‘factions in the diocese’, whatever you choose to name them. Alison is certainly correct in urging us all to set aside our prejudices and listen to each other with open minds and understanding hearts. Several years ago I proposed such dialogue in the interest of having the diocese better able to do the work before us and to be an example to the Church as a whole. Alas, I was told that this was not possible! Can we try again? Yes, a start would be to read about the other points of view.

I have followed the career of Bishop John Shelby Spong with interest and read a number of his books and essays. I subscribe to his weekly essay online and sometimes follow the conversations on his website. I have known about him and his theology and admire him in many ways. However, this summer I finally read his autobiography, Here I Stand: My Struggle for a Christianity of Integrity, Love and Equality (Harper Collins, 2000). In this book you meet John Shelby Spong, the man — his upbringing in a fundamentalist faith, his early life, the joy and tragedy of his first marriage, and the route he took to ordained ministry, eventually to become the Bishop of Newark. Along the way, as you read this book, you learn the history of much of today's conflict in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. You meet characters that are familiar to us today in the Church and still active in the conflicts. I feel that this is a good introduction to or review of life in the Episcopal Church in much of the 20th Century and the opening years of the 21st.

In an earlier letter I mentioned one Episcopal friend who said “Don't you just love Bishop Spong? He makes it possible to be a Christian!” Just this week another church friend commented. “I am a trained scientist. If I had to believe everything in the Nicene Creed I'd be out of here.” As a trained biologist myself I understand just what she is saying. Leaving your brain at the door is not a requirement of church membership and Christian faith. Just where we each come down on this point is a struggle, and we need all the help we can get. Bishop John Spong provides a lot of help here. He angers many in the Church but is an inspiration to many others. Get acquainted with him and see where you are!

Marya Dodd