Our semi-retired blogger and ghost editor, the Rt. Rev. Douglas LeBlanc, is punching keys at the moment -- only not for us. Anyone who wants to follow his work at the Episcopal Church's General Convention should keep an eye on the websites of Christianity Today and, on the other side of the pond, The Church Times.
Yes, Doug has actually worked on the conservative side of the church aisle during the current round of Anglican warfare. But it's a sign of the respect that others have for his calm and accurate reporting that major news publications still want to hire him to cover tense, crucial events such as this landmark convention. I have asked him to send us some URLs that link to new stories from the front lines, but don't hold your breath. He continues to suffer from intense LeBlancophobia when it comes to pointing readers toward his own work.
So click here for his most recent CT report and then click here for his early, first-week report for the Brits. You know our Doug is in the room when the story about the "U2charist" features a phrase such as, "Nearly 1000 were drawn to the dancing-room-only service." He's reporting for the The Living Church, as well.
Meanwhile, I am looking for signs that any journalist noticed that the following resolution from Western Louisiana was considered "too hot" to be debated on the convention floor.
Resolved, the House of _____ concurring, That the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church declares its unchanging commitment to Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the only name by which any person may be saved (Article XVIII); and be it further
Resolved, That we acknowledge the solemn responsibility placed upon us to share Christ with all persons when we hear His words, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No-one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6); and be it further
Resolved, That we affirm that in Christ there is both the substitutionary essence of the Cross and the manifestation of God's unlimited and unending love for all persons; and be it further
Resolved, That we renew our dedication to be faithful witnesses to all persons of the saving love of God perfectly and uniquely revealed in Jesus and upheld by the full testimony of Holy Scripture.
Who says that sex is the only issue that divides Anglicans today?