The Problem of Heresy

The Rev. Christopher M. Klukas
May, 2008

Excerpt:
But how did we get to this point? How did the Church become so corrupt? We can compare the Episcopal Church to a house that has gradually fallen into disrepair. When small issues aren't fixed, they almost always turn into bigger ones. The roots of our present problems go as far back as 150 - 200 years. The situation didn't become acute, however, until the 1960's. It was at this time that Bishop James Pike published a book called “A Time for Christian Candor.” In this work he openly denied such basic doctrines as the Trinity, the Incarnation, and the Virgin birth. Bishop Pike wasn't the only one who believed these things, he just happened to be the one who published them in a book.

Bishop Pike's book caused an uproar throughout the Church, but particularly in the House of Bishops. In 1966 he was formally presented to the House of Bishops on the charge of Heresy. An advisory committee, led by Bp. Stephen Bayne, was formed to deal with these issues. The report of this committee “called the concept of heresy “anachronistic” and called for the revision of canon law to make heresy trials almost impossible.” (“An American Apostle: The Life of Stephen Fielding Bayne, Jr.” p. 147) They stated that, “Any risks the Church might run by fostering a climate of genuine freedom are minor compared to the dangers it will surely encounter from any attempts at suppression, censorship, or thought control.”

The House of Bishops then affirmed this report and adopted its recommendations concerning cannon law. Thus instead of disciplining Bishop Pike, they supported him and made it nearly impossible for future bishops to be disciplined on the charge of heresy. At a time when the faithful could have taken a stand, they decided instead to accommodate and affirm. This was the beginning of the formal acceptance of heresy in our church. As the years march on more and more liberties are taken and the church becomes less Christian and more Pagan. the rest-pdf