Wolves or Tares?

 

Most of that turned out to be true. God has provided for our basic economic needs, but I make less now. I have an inadequate insurance plan and no pension. My congregation, after two years of struggle, has 70 members. But none of that is of any spiritual significance. We are free from the oppression (even the name) of the Episcopal Church and its apostate hierarchy, and our services are marked by a special presence of the Holy Spirit in healing and the other gifts of the Spirit.

The main point I am making is not our success or failure, but the “carnal” nature of the rector’s argumentation. I hear echoes of it in many other Episcopal clergy who are “hanging on.” To which I remind them of James’ admonition: “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (Jam. 3:1, NIV) Certainly, we are not commanded to separate the wheat from the tares, but the primary responsibility of leaders is to protect the flock from spiritual harm.

 

PR 

 

Editor’s note: This response by Fr. William De Arteaga was written when he was Hispanic Pastor of Light of Christ Anglican Church (Capilla San Lázaro) in Marietta, Georgia. 

 

To read Bishop Little’s article online, point your internet browser to: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/003/24.69.html

 

 

Tags: tares, wolves

Category: Fall 2006, Ministry