The Episcopal Church -- A Letter to the Church Times
 
Kenneth Leech writes, "This -- I think, after two weeks -- is a rejected letter to the Church Times (UK). It may be of interest."
 
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THE REVD DR KENNETH LEECH
ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE
30th March 2007
 
The Editor,
Church Times
 
Dear Sir,
 
I wonder if critics of the Episcopal Church in the USA know anything about it (letters, 30th March). I have been spending much time with Anglicans in the USA for almost forty years, and find the current arguments bizarre. This is a small church, which, unlike the Church of England, is not 'established', in many areas can be difficult to find, and mostly consists of the committed. It is often described in the British press by the curious term 'liberal', though its Book of Common Prayer is more orthodox and Catholic than most English documents.
 
Of course, it has its weaknesses, as we all have, but this is a very prayerful, thoughtful and honest church. It is significant that the question of homosexuality -- about which the Hebrew and Christian scriptures say hardly anything, and about which Jesus said nothing at alll -- has become the focus of attack on this church. I believe the basic issue is not homosexuality but honesty. 'Let the reader understand'.
 
I am sick and tired of these endless reports about 'sexuality' -- which is always a euphemism for homosexuality. It does seem to be rooted in what should be called pathology. The Episcopal Church is rooted in the gospel, theologically sound, spiritually disciplined, and, unlike the Church of England, honest. I wish we could all follow its example.
 
KENNETH LEECH