Dear Louie,
I am sorry for not answering sooner, but my computer is down and I must piggy-back on a friend's account. Because of this, I will not be able to do more than send you this brief response. I do appreciate the opportunity to respond, briefly or not, to the issues you mention in your e-note.
First, I do not, as a rule, sign statements. I believe, first and last, that the transforming Gospel, lovingly adressed by God to ALL people is the focus and frame of all that we do. Most of the dueling signature papers, in my experience, obscure rather than enhance our perception of the Gospel. Engaging that same Gospel is the first and last step in all that we do - it was my concern about this that prompted my signature. It remains to be seen whether the response to Bishop Spong hurts or helps the Gospel. I signed on, because I do not believe that the 12 statements by Spong help the Gospel.
Second, my reaction to the "Call for a New Reformation" dealt only with the material stated in the written form I saw. My signature does not imply, in anyway, shape or form, a rejection of all or even some aspects of Bishop Spong's writings - writings I am only indirectly familiar with. I rejected the 12 statements, as said in the declaration, "taken as a whole." In particular, I did not wish to imply anything about the inclusion of Gay and Lesbian people in the Church. More forcefully, may I add that the same interest that prompts me to reject Bishop Spongs 12 Statements, taken as a whole, is the same motivation that makes me proud to say that the Gospel is directed towards ALL people - or it is not the Gospel.
Thank You.
Later,
Mark
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