In Theory

The time for St. James’ congregation to move “to a new church building” was in August 2004, when they switched their allegiance from The Episcopal Church in the USA to the Anglican Church of Uganda. Now, after years of energy and millions of dollars have been spent on “their case,” I think it is good for the highest possible judicial authority in our county, state and nation to decide issues that affect all faith communities with international affiliations, global connections and universal commitments.

Power, authority and money are more central issues here than are biblical interpretation, theology and human sexuality. Like Episcopalians and all other people with faith in God, St. James’ beloved are trying to follow the One who has ultimate power. When such issues are subjected to secular authority, no faithful people wins. The tragedy is that we are so busy battling with one another that we are not doing God’s work. May the time be soon when the people of saints James and Michael can again do God’s work together.

(The Very Rev’d Canon) Peter D. Haynes

Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, Corona del Mar

Though I don’t know much of St. James parish, I suspect their fight is not constitutional rights, theology or property rights. It’s about family — a family that is breaking up. Making it worse is that the breakup is in public so strangers like myself can comment on it. I suspect all the members of their family feel that their sacred beliefs have been abandoned, or betrayed. It’s too late to go back. Words have been spoken and deeds done that are not retractable. But the wounds are too painful and too deadly to discuss so we break up and fight over property, theology, obligations and the family home.

No one wants to leave home. Even if the future holds the promise of a better possibility, we still are reluctant to leave. We are all like Lot’s wife, looking backward even if we know we shouldn’t. Our deepest longings are about home — a place to be ourselves, a place where we are loved and a place of stories that sustain us. Even if our home does not provide this sense of home, we keep longing for the home that does. We keep trying to find our way back home or to find home.

I suspect people of St. James parish will continue to try to keep their home. But God is always on the move. So if the day comes when they have to move on in order to be a family together, God will meet them on the road.

As for us, we should not relish, mock or defend the breakup. We should make sure our own homes are in good shape. We must listen to all the parties with compassion. And pray that by God’s infinite grace, all the parties — and us along with them — will find their true home, both in this world and in the life to come.

Pastor Mark Wiley

Mesa Verde United Methodist Church, Costa Mesa

Historically, this group of people at St. James raised the money and paid for their land and buildings. There may have been loans from the Los Angeles Diocese, which should rightfully be repaid, but why would the denomination assume it has the right to property paid for by someone else? That is where church polity comes into play. No one enters a marriage thinking it could end in divorce (once you have a plan B, plan A diminishes in value). We all make promises, but reality is that some marriages do end in divorce, and then the ugly mess of deciding who gets the wedding china have to be settled. In a real divorce, unless it was a gift, the partner who purchased an object has first right to it. Though neither the Episcopalians nor the Anglicans wanted a divorce, it happened. The Anglicans voted nearly unanimously to part ways, and the remainder have another Episcopal option in Newport Beach they can attend. One partner always needs to move out in a divorce; why the diocese believes it should be the larger group I have no idea. I think St. James should stay on the property they paid for and the Diocese should be gracious and bow out showing Christian love and charity.

Ric Olsen

Lead Pastor, The Beacon