Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Summer 2012 Issue | Page 13

HAS THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH LOST ITS CENTER?
ED JONES
As Center Aisle continues to forge ahead with its fifth round of service as the Diocese
of Virginia’s opinion journal at General Convention, I’m hearing two big questions
about this 12-year-old publication: Has the “center” shifted in the Episcopal Church,
with the departure of some members and the arrival of others?

In a year when, for the first time
in recent history, no controversial
resolutions were introduced at the Annual
Council of the Diocese, does General
Convention still need a journal aimed at
building unity within the Church?

The answers are “no” and “yes.”

It’s true you can argue that the
“center” has shifted in terms of a
growing consensus on issues like samegender blessings—issues that have
been divisive within the church for many
years. But the “center” in Center Aisle
has never been gauged as the midpoint
of an ideological or theological line.
We’re not mushy moderates pushing
everyone toward the middle at any cost.

The “center” we’re talking about
is the midpoint of a circle, not a line. It
refers to our belief that the foundational
center of our church, the fundamental
core beliefs that bring us together at
the foot of the cross, are more powerful
than the divisive spats of one General
Convention. We are symbolically walking
down the center aisle of our church to
the cross. Far from being milquetoast
moderates, those who work for Center
Aisle are radical centrists who see the
dynamic core of our Church as full of
passion and free of malice.

As for the paucity of controversy
at Annual Council, don’t be misled
into thinking that Episcopalians can’t
work up a head of steam over plenty
of issues on the Convention agenda.
After all, we managed at Council to
find a way to debate an amendment to
an amendment to a canonical change.
That’s nothing compared to what’s
coming up at General Convention.

Here’s a short list of what’s ahead:
the proposed Anglican Covenant;

recommendations to change
the structure of the national
Church and of General
Convention; more about
same-gender blessings;
possible changes in denominational health plans;
intense budgetary discussions; communion of the
baptized; and the nominating committee for the next
Presiding Bishop.

Yes, there will be
plenty to debate and discuss. And
Center Aisle, with an enhanced digital
presence that launched in May and an
emphasis on interactivity, will be there
to encourage debates that reflect, not
only the diverse points of views within
our church, but the commonality among
us as Christians.

Our staff in Indianapolis for the
July 4 through 12 convention will be rich
with experience and overflowing with
energy. At the top of our team is the
Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston, bishop of
Virginia. Emily Cherry, communications
officer for the Diocese, will again serve
as our indispensable managing editor.
Returning for their fifth General
Convention assignment as reporters
and commentators are the Rev.
John Ohmer, rector of St. James’,
Leesburg; and the Rev. Lauren Stanley,
whose missionary work has included
assignments in Sudan (now South
Sudan) and Haiti. Back for a se