True To Myself, or to Him?

In which I keep chewing on the Lections

I was sad to see, over on X, that Bishop Paul-Gordon Chandler of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming was removed from ministry (hat tip Jeff Walton). I’m not an Episcopalian, obviously, and I’m sure that Bishop Chandler would not agree with me on any substantive matter, but he went to my school in West Africa, though before my time, and so I’ve been interested in the progress of his career over the years. He wrote some books, and has a video series, and has lived all over the world.

Photo by Francesco Alberti on Unsplash

I don’t know what happened in that diocese, or what sort of “indiscretion” he is being accused of, but I did find his statement quoted in the ENS report deeply depressing. From the article:

In a statement sent to Episcopal News Service, Chandler said, “My decision to voluntarily leave ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church is not in any way an admittance of the specific allegations and charges brought against me. This decision, as difficult as it is, allows me to stay true to myself, as well as to be faithful to my calling: ‘Seeking to enable others to enter a deeper dimension spiritually and experience the beauty of God in fresh ways.’ We have certainly experienced God’s presence throughout this challenging time in profoundly moving ways,” he said.

That line, “allows me to stay true to myself” is a favorite one of this present generation. In one sense, it’s a reasonable thing to think and to say. A lot of people—and Christians—believe that goodness requires a certain sublimation or denial of the feelings that shape and give color and texture to the business of being human. My feelings, however powerful and poignant, may not be justified by the circumstance or interaction. Perhaps they are unreasonable and not a good reflection of the deeper commitments I hold.