Weighing In On Thew Forrester
Over the past several days I have been asked my opinion of the controversy swirling around The Rev Thew Forrester, bishop-elect of N. Michigan. I will take this opportunity to weigh in. The first thing I heard about Forrester was that he was not suitable for the position of bishop in the Episcopal Church because he practiced Zen meditation. My understanding of Zen meditation is that it is simply a method of being still, emptying oneself of self and centering on God. I know that is a very simple definition but I suspect it is close enough for our purposes. I certainly find nothing wrong with such a practice. In fact, I applaud any attempt to be less self-centered and more God focused.
The things that do trouble me about Forrester is his changing the liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer. For example, he has changed the Baptismal rite because he does not believe in Satan. In my view he has every right to not believe in Satan, but has no right to change the Prayer Book liturgy to conform to his belief. Additionally, he has changed the Apostle’s Creed in the same liturgy because he does not believe that Jesus is the only Son of God. Again, he has every right to believe that Jesus is not the only Son of God, but no right to change the Apostle’s Creed.
Among other things Forrester has said is that he does not believe in the doctrine of the Atonement. Once again, he has every right to not believe that, but in my view he has no right to teach his belief as a bishop since it is the church’s role to make any changes in this or any doctrine.
I think all of these things are issues that the church ought to be talking about. As Forrester is quoted as saying, “The faith is not a static reality. It’s continually evolving and dynamic.” I agree, and we all need to be involved in prayer and dialogue, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we continually discern how God would have us move forward. The problem is, as of now the church has not decided to change the things Forrester believes should be changed. Therefore, in my opinion, he has no right to make the changes he has made and no right to teach the things he believes which are different from church teaching. All of us have the responsibility to speak of things we see differently from the way the church sees it. But none of us, especially a bishop, has the right to make changes or teach as truth that which the church has not acceded to. If I were a member of a diocesan Standing Committee I would not give consent to his ordination as bishop.
2 Comments on “Weighing In On Thew Forrester”
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Jim Hipple said:
CB, thanks for your insight. I have not read Thew Forrester’s position explained better.
al holly said:
very well said!