Irreconcilable Differences
11/26/2006
By Jack Estes

I have heard it said that the United States and England are two nations separated by a common language. For even though both share a common heritage from the past, today the words and the meanings are set in the context of different cultures, different histories, and a matrix of knowing and perceiving the world that is peculiar to each country. The language sounds the same, but much of what is said means something different.

The same holds true for liberal Episcopalians and conservative Anglicans. We are two churches separated by a common language. Although we share a common heritage, the priorities and practice of our faith are set in the context of different theologies, different views of the surrounding culture, and a matrix of knowing and perceiving God and the world that is peculiar to each.

Much of what is said in conversation with each other sounds the same, but the meanings are substantially different. Each community may be able to hear the words of the other, but in the end both walk away perplexed, not understanding what the other really meant. Perplexion turns to confusion, confusion to frustration, frustration to anger. We get angry because the others just don’t seem to get it. We seem to say the same thing, but then act in ways that are radically different.

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