Calvin Robinson and the Vibe that Shifted

Some Thoughts On What's Coming

File: Tcranmer.JPG - Wikimedia Commons—Thomas Cramner Reading X This Morning, Trying To Figure Out What’s Going On With The Bishops of the ACNA

I had half of a post going yesterday with a round-up of pieces about Calvin Robinson—RNS, Jeff Walton, and Mark Marshall’s open letter—but around bedtime here in the Northeast, Robinson posted this and then erased his Twitter:

So, I’m gathering that my desire to see the texting thread I assumed must be in existence was a vain one, as there must have been no communication ahead of time between bishops of the ACNA. Bishop Sutton must have acted on his own, and then, receiving pushback, changed his mind. And this, it must be said plainly, is humiliating for everyone in the ACNA, but especially for Bishop Sutton, never mind hard on Calvin Robinson. Having done the deed, it is better to stick by it, come what may. What is this called? Ah, yes, A Failure of Nerve.

Yesterday, Mark wrote that:

When you say that Calvin Robinson does not belong in ACNA, you tell many others they don’t belong in ACNA either. You particularly tell the young based men who are suddenly going to church that they would be better off in another church. That is surely not your intent. But that is what your statement communicates.

I often communicate with those interested in ACNA or in finding an Anglican church. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve had to explain away statements and practices of this and that ACNA cleric. I’ve oft explained that ACNA is mixed but as a whole orthodox. But how can I and others credibly explain away a statement from the Archbishop himself? You’ve just made the task of attracting and retaining sound orthodox people that much more difficult for me and for many ACNA priests and parishes.

“Anglican” is already becoming a byword for timidity and wokeness. You and I know that is neither accurate nor fair. But that is how too many already see us regardless.

I should say, before anything else, that I am in Falls Church as I write this. Later in the day, I will go to hear Matt preach at the opening of our Synod, and then stick around and hear Archbishop Woods give an address. Then Matt and I will reluctantly hit the road again and miss all the festivities because of that graduation and wedding I’ve been mentioning every few minutes for several months. If there is any question and answer time, I would imagine that at least one person might inquire about what is going on and why all of this happened. I probably won’t get to stay for any of that because it’s a five-hour drive and I have to be in bed before tomorrow morning.

I guess I only have one real thing to say on this subject. If the “based right” is going to be policed in this manner as not being “good” representatives of the ACNA, then I look forward to the swift removal of many on the left who are also not “good” representatives of Anglican sensibilities. If we’re going to have purity of representation, then let us have it everywhere.

Only people who unwaveringly and full-throatedly accept the 39 Articles and the Authority of God’s Holy Word should have licenses in the ACNA. Scot McKnight should be the first to go. His little book that I reviewed last year is an appalling expression of post-liberal progressive biblicism, plus, he is often mean and has said nasty things about me.

Anyone who has ever tried to nuance the LGBT question or said anything good about abortion should not have a license in the ACNA. Whoever arranged for Bishop Todd Hunter to have a cozy sit-down with Kristin Du Mez (who is not orthodox on the subject of sexuality) should be invited to join some other denomination.