So on Wednesday, the schismatic far right of the Episcopal Church made another attempt to organize itself in the Common Cause Partnership. This group might actually work, although I think it will be for a short period. Why? Very simple. Look at the makeup of the group. First of all, there is Bp. Iker, the former bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. Fort Worth is known for its extreme Anglo-Catholic bent. Its clergy come pretty exclusively from Nashotah House here in Wisconsin. Marian devotions are common, as well as incense and other usages that are considered extremely catholic. Also in the partnership is the Reformed Episcopal Church, which broke away from the Episcopal Church in 1873 over several issues, the most obvious being the rise of "Romish Ceremonial" which at that point was identified as candles and flowers in the altar area.
A more fundamental division between these two groups is the doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration. Fort Worth holds to the Roman (and traditional Anglican) doctrine that at baptism, the Holy Spirit pours into the candidate the gift of new life. The Reformed Episcopal Church believes that baptism can be a sign of new life, but does not in itself do anything. The REC also rejects apostolic succession in the historic episcopate, which is a hallmark of the Episcopal Church and is non-negotiable for Anglo-Catholics.
So these two groups are completely at odds with each other over ceremonial and basic theological principles. What could possibly be the glue to hold them together? How about common dislike of the Episcopal Church based in decades-old, ghettoized perceptions of what the Episcopal Church is? (See "Who are these revisionists?") Bingo! What disturbs me the most is the implication - That things like apostolic succession, baptism and eucharist are not as important as a unifying theme as dislike of a gay bishop in New Hampshire.
I have a hard time believing that such a union can possibly last, especially without recognition from the full Anglican Communion, which is unlikely. It is the ancient curse of schism sped up in its protestant form - once you decide schism is an option, it becomes very hard to convince people that it is not one for their particular issue.
David+
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