Denial cannot help this church divorce

In 2004, I wrote a piece titled “The Divorce Is Under Way” (CEN 10 Sept 2004), which began:

Let’s face it: the Anglican Communion is breaking up. Statements about “breaking ties,” “impaired communion,” and “loose federation” are commonplace since the election and consecration of Gene Robinson last year. Call it what you will, Anglicans throughout the world are going through a divorce.

So I was interested in the article by the Rev. Stephen Kuhrt (9 Mar 12) taking up the same theme. He writes: “Like a marriage that has hit the rocks, the Anglican Communion is on the brink of separation with many on its extremes citing an ‘irretrievable breakdown’ and therefore divorce as the only credible option.”

At this point, our analysis diverges. Mr. Kuhrt thinks the way to save the marriage is through the Anglican Communion Covenant, which he says is “a very marriage-like bond designed to express the firm commitment of its members to stay together.” In my view, the Christian marriage bond involves a firm commitment (vow) to enter into the Holy Estate of Matrimony, which is God’s gracious provision of an exclusive and lifelong union of husband and wife, “forsaking all others… so long as they both shall live.” If one partner crosses fingers at the altar and engages in extra-marital relations, that is adultery, and a spouse who takes back an unrepentant serial adulterer is more an enabler than a victim. The prophet Hosea is the exception that proves the rule. Keep reading