Episcopal Church
July 3, 2007 – 6:51 amThe Episcopal “Church” is suing to regain it’s property from the 11 churches in Virginia that broke away from the larger body in order to remain with orthodox Anglican beliefs.
When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud–even your own brothers!
1 Corinthians 6:1-8
This is an admonition for the Episcopal church, not necessarily for the breakaway churches.
5 Responses to “Episcopal Church”
why not both?
By tk on Jul 3, 2007
It could be both, but I was assuming that by breaking away, the Virginia churches were saying “We are no longer brothers.”
Paul is talking to brothers.
By dwight on Jul 3, 2007
I’m not sure it’s relevant whether they still consider each other brothers. I think the Anglican Church is to blame because they chose to sue. The breakaway churches aren’t choosing to be sued; they don’t have a choice in the matter.
This is really sad, though. I don’t know which is worse: that the Anglican Church leaders forgot about this passage when deciding to sue, or that they exegetically weaseled their way out of a rebuke so clearly applicable to their situation.
By Jeff Terrell on Jul 3, 2007
I think you mean “Episcopal” for “Anglican”, right?
I could be confused…
By dwight on Jul 3, 2007
Acts 20:29
29For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
By charlie on Jul 3, 2007