Albany Via Media

June 15, 2012

To the Editor:

Dear Friends in Christ — One of your letters mentioned that for 40 years TEC has been discussing same sex issues. This may be true. I remember a questionnaire back in the 70's about this subject. What I don't remember is much feed back at the time over what the results were. But don't forget! During those same 40 years many other issues were discussed and many many changes took place in our Church!

• Women began to be ordained first as Deacons, then Priests, and finally Bishops.
• Lay Eucharistic Ministers came into existence
• Remarriage after divorce was allowed in our Church
• The 1979 BCP was approved
• Many new Bible translations were printed
• Confirmation no longer was necessary to receive Communion
• Most Churches went to the modern English of Rite 2
• We got a new Hymnal and then another one — called Celebration
• Morning Prayer gave way to Holy Communion most Sundays
• Holy Communion without a sermon was no longer allowed (Thank God!!)

I could go on and on. My point is this: all sorts of changes have taken place in the church in 40 years. Please for give me if I see other issues as more important than the same sex issue. After all, I see it as settled by what is said about the subject in over 17 books of the Bible!

Grace and Peace in our Lord,
Michael+ Shank
Vicar of Downsville and Margaretville