Church Wars (From: Culture Wars)

[rmgill]

19 hours ago, Murph said:

Well, once more why churches are dying.  Pro Child molesting service, telling the pervs "Come get our kids"!

https://pjmedia.com/culture/catherinesalgado/2023/09/18/texas-church-recites-pro-drag-lgbtq-pledge-a-betrayal-of-biblical-principles-n1728038

 

 

Diversity and transgenderism motifs are the new catechisms of religion on the left. 

[Murph]

My gay buddy who lives in Dallas, knows of this "church" and he says they are weird even by the admittedly low standards of the Dallas gay community.  He went once, and told me he walked out and thought the whole congregation was "not all there", and in desperate need of mental help.  

[Murph]

The Anglican Church will no longer call itself a Church because:

https://pjmedia.com/lincolnbrown/2024/08/19/the-church-of-england-no-longer-identifies-as-a-church-n4931761

give England until the end of 2025 at the latest before it is no longer recognizable. Don't laugh; I give the U.S. until the end of 2027 at best, but that is a whole other column.

 

The Church of England has apparently joined the pronoun movement. Of course, none of this should come as a surprise to anyone, but it is still a shame. According to a report in the Telegraph, the Church has decided to stop using the word "church" in order to be more modern. I don't know what word they will use. Lodge? Club? Association? The Loyal Order of Water Buffalos? 

By all indications, the church is keeping its official moniker as "The Church of England." That is understandable; a lot of letterhead would need to be thrown out and logos redesigned. From a cost-benefit standpoint, it makes sense. But going forward, churches will be referred to as "communities." 

According to a study by the Centre for Church Planting Theology and Research, which examined six of eleven dioceses in the Anglican Communion, churches are increasingly dropping the word when exploring the idea of creating new congregations. They are also known as churches, by the way.

When discussing new "church plants," which is a fairly common practice in the U.S., none of the 900 new churches started by the Church of England used the word "church plant."

 

The report’s author, Rev Dr. Will Foulger, vicar of St Nicholas in Durham, found that six of the 11 dioceses used the language of “worship” in their main descriptor of new church projects, two used “congregation,” and seven used “community.”

The Telegraph interviewed Dr. Giles Fraser, vicar of St Anne’s, in Kew. Fraser called the effort “a misplaced desire to be relevant and modern-sounding.” In an article in UnHerd, he commented, "The Church has given up on church. Not since Prince became Squiggle has there been such a daft revision.”

Dr. Foulger suggested that the Church of England might be moving away from using the word “church” as part of a cultural rejuvenation.

He said that the word “church” was not comprehensive enough “to describe what it is that these dioceses have been starting,” adding that the phrase “new things” might be more appropriate.

"New things?" I can't imagine waking up on a Sunday morning and getting ready to go the "new thing."

A church spokesman told the Telegraph that the change is being effected because "forms of worship can exist" outside church buildings.

 

The Diocese of Worcester, meanwhile, has embraced outdoor worshipping, with members of the churches in the Teme Valley South replacing church services with countryside walks, stopping for Bible reading and prayer along the way.

 “These communities often meet in existing church buildings, attracting additional worshippers alongside traditional congregations, but they are as much ‘church’ as any other form of worship,” a Church of England spokesman said.

There is some truth in the idea. Our word "church" comes from the Greek word ekklesia, which means gathering or community. That said, given the current state of affairs in England and the U.S., for that matter, it is small wonder that the powers that be seek to remove the old symbols, the old places, and the old words that help define a people and a country.

 

 

 

[sunday]

Another example of Nature imitating Art, or how "Yes, Prime Minister" was kinda prophetic.

 

[Murph]

That show is hysterical.

[sunday]

A documentary, according to a number of knowledgeable Britons.

[rmgill]

18 hours ago, sunday said:

A documentary, according to a number of knowledgeable Britons.

And oracle like predictions alongside bits of Monty Python...

[Ivanhoe]

[Murph]

And, the Anglicans keep getting more and more Satanic.  

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2024/12/30/anglican-group-says-bible-affirms-trans-intersex-and-queer-people/

“Not everyone in the Bible is cisgender. Nor is everyone in the Bible biologically or anatomically male or female,” states the text, written by Ann Reddecliffe.

“In the Bible, the clearest example of this are eunuchs, who can be seen as the biblical ‘ancestors’ of trans people,” the text continues.

[Murph]

Wow, this is freaky.  A witch in a Lutheran Church.  

Next, we’ll turn to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which might be the most left-leaning denomination. Add that this story comes from San Francisco, and you’ve got the craziest church story you’ll read all week.

Protestia reports that an ELCA congregation in the Sierra Pacific Synod has witches on staff and practices pagan rituals:

Founded initially as Ebenezer Lutheran Church by Swedish immigrants in 1884, the church served the community for many years until Rev. Stacy Boorn took over. Ordained in 1987, Boorn describes herself as a “Pastor & Priestess of Ritual” and claims that her “malestream theological education opened the door for her to build a Goddess-inclusive congregation and ministry.”

Inhabited by several legions of demons, she’s remade the church into her image, painting it purple in 2010 and giving it its new moniker to “honor the Goddess and Divine Feminine,” be in “solidarity with women and all persons who are oppressed and denied equal rights,” and to “advocate for marriage rights for all people.”

The church now goes by herchurch and includes a litany of evil, un-Christian practices like invocations, chants, and healing circles, along with some dumb left-wing events like BIPOC content creation and drum circles. The staff is nearly all female with one exception.

Protestia reports that “leaders include Priestess Alice Heimsoth, the ‘Documentarian Priestess for herchurch, artistically chronicling the community and its member’s connection to the Divine Feminine,’ and Priestexx Thom Longino, the ‘adjunct pastor, spiritual director, Goddexx enthusiast, avid crocheter, Br Lilith of the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans, and occasional Night Minister.’”

But the real kicker is Christine Konkol, the church’s “Resident Witch.” No, seriously. Her bio states:

As Priestess Witch for herchurch, Christine offers magical gifts to share and enhance the support and development of herchurch. The monthly astrological reading provides guidance from the stars and is a favorite among many. Together we honor the natural cycles of the year, the Solstices and Equinoxes, and thank the Earth for her bounty. Small group gatherings provide inspiration and direct our attention to instinct and intuition helping us to discover ways to connect to the divinity of nature and thereby the Divine.

Y’all, these people aren’t Christians. This is pagan evil, pure and simple. How does the ELCA keep these heretics in fellowship? (I think we know the answer to that question.)

[Rick]

18 hours ago, Murph said:

Wow, this is freaky.  A witch in a Lutheran Church.  

Next, we’ll turn to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which might be the most left-leaning denomination. Add that this story comes from San Francisco, and you’ve got the craziest church story you’ll read all week.

Protestia reports that an ELCA congregation in the Sierra Pacific Synod has witches on staff and practices pagan rituals:

Founded initially as Ebenezer Lutheran Church by Swedish immigrants in 1884, the church served the community for many years until Rev. Stacy Boorn took over. Ordained in 1987, Boorn describes herself as a “Pastor & Priestess of Ritual” and claims that her “malestream theological education opened the door for her to build a Goddess-inclusive congregation and ministry.”

Inhabited by several legions of demons, she’s remade the church into her image, painting it purple in 2010 and giving it its new moniker to “honor the Goddess and Divine Feminine,” be in “solidarity with women and all persons who are oppressed and denied equal rights,” and to “advocate for marriage rights for all people.”

The church now goes by herchurch and includes a litany of evil, un-Christian practices like invocations, chants, and healing circles, along with some dumb left-wing events like BIPOC content creation and drum circles. The staff is nearly all female with one exception.

Protestia reports that “leaders include Priestess Alice Heimsoth, the ‘Documentarian Priestess for herchurch, artistically chronicling the community and its member’s connection to the Divine Feminine,’ and Priestexx Thom Longino, the ‘adjunct pastor, spiritual director, Goddexx enthusiast, avid crocheter, Br Lilith of the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans, and occasional Night Minister.’”

But the real kicker is Christine Konkol, the church’s “Resident Witch.” No, seriously. Her bio states:

As Priestess Witch for herchurch, Christine offers magical gifts to share and enhance the support and development of herchurch. The monthly astrological reading provides guidance from the stars and is a favorite among many. Together we honor the natural cycles of the year, the Solstices and Equinoxes, and thank the Earth for her bounty. Small group gatherings provide inspiration and direct our attention to instinct and intuition helping us to discover ways to connect to the divinity of nature and thereby the Divine.

Y’all, these people aren’t Christians. This is pagan evil, pure and simple. How does the ELCA keep these heretics in fellowship? (I think we know the answer to that question.)

2 Peter 2 and Revelation 2:12-17.

[Murph]

Just getting worse and worse.

[NickM]

Just now, Murph said:

Just getting worse and worse.

More BS--hopefully it don't metastasize into the next Jim Jones.

[Stargrunt6]

3 minutes ago, NickM said:

More BS--hopefully it don't metastasize into the next Jim Jones.

Their politics sure do align.

[NickM]

Just now, Stargrunt6 said:

Their politics sure do align.

Hopefully the body count doesn't

[Stargrunt6]

40 minutes ago, NickM said:

Hopefully the body count doesn't

Does abortion count?

[Murph]

Glitter Prayers, Pastors who say Gay, the destruction of churches goes on and on:

https://pjmedia.com/chris-queen/2025/03/21/progressive-christianity-watch-glitter-blessings-and-lady-pastors-who-say-queer-a-lot-n4938141

Today, we’re going to start with a woman pastor (shocker) preaching a “sermon” about Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. That account from John 4 is a powerful tale of truth and redemption. And then there’s Rev. Liz Edman’s take.

According to the website of a conference she spoke at, “Liz Edman is an Episcopal priest and political strategist who has been igniting people's understanding of Christianity and queer life for more than 25 years.” Edman wrote a book called “Queer Virtue: What LGBTQ People Know About Life and Love and How It Can Revitalize Christianity.”

In the book, she asserts, “Authentic Christianity is and must be queer.” This comes as news to two millennia of faithful believers who not only know that homosexuality is a sin but also don’t happen to be “queer.” (I’ve mentioned this before, but my definition of “queer” is gay with an agenda.)

Edman is hung up on the word “queer” and she uses it all the time. And her take on the account of Jesus and the woman at the well is — you guessed it — queer.

With a delivery reminiscent of an Elizabeth Warren rant — and sporting a bowtie that makes her look like Pee Wee Herman — she refers to this exchange between Jesus and the woman:

“This is a radical division-shattering moment,” Edman says (remember, progressive Christians love to refer to Jesus as “radical”). “They have just queered every layer of racial, sexual, and religious oppression that threatens to pit them against each other. He is telling her that God sees her. All of her strength and courage and feistiness and scandal. God sees her and she is exactly the person that God wants.”

I’m not sure what’s “queer” about the Son of God telling a heterosexual woman that He knows about her life and giving her a generous amount of wisdom. Edman furthers this “queering” with the application that people who understand “queerness” can share the Gospel.

“We have the power to do this simply by inviting others into this kind of queer, courageous, and empowering conversation,” she insists. “Those of us who have an appreciation for queerness bring such gifts to bear. We are, in some ways, uniquely situated to address some of the most pressing spiritual needs in our world today.”

“We already know what it is to cross into strange lands and sit down with folks who have had experiences and who have perspectives that may be very different from our own,” she continues. “We've had the courage to look into our own souls, to claim our identities, and find beauty and meaning in them. Knowing and valuing who you are makes it possible to engage others with confidence.”

 

[Stargrunt6]

Wow... that's a leap.

[Murph]

And Wait! It gets better!

As I was researching Liz Edman, I stumbled upon an LGBTQ “ministry” that offers “Glitter Blessings.” Yes, I know; this sounds awful. Glitter mixed with anointing oil? Yikes. Here’s the rationale behind this ridiculous stunt.

• LGBTQ people are told the lie that God hates them and that they aren’t able to be LGBTQ AND a person of faith.  We know better!  Not only do we know fabulous LGBTQ people of faith (and are clergy and faithful ourselves) we also know that God loves everyone, including - maybe especially! - those Friends of Dorothy (code for, yes, you guessed it, fabulous LGBTQ people).
• Glitter Blessings is an opportunity for clergy, faith communities and every day, beautiful and loving people to share that love of God with LGBTQ people and allies.  
• The biodegradable rainbow glitter and blessed, frankincense-scented holy oil from Jerusalem is packaged in a beautiful glass vial, ready for you to share.  Each vial is shipped with love and blessings to you, for your community.
• The public face of Christianity is often a face of intolerance - especially toward LGBTQ people. There are millions of Christians who believe that the Gospel commands us to love, not hate. Glitter blessings are a witness to an inclusive Christian message.
• And - we are the Glitter+Ashes people! We know the power of the witness of love - God’s love for us, our love for each other! 

 

Side note: The logo for the "Glitter Blessings" includes the Jerusalem Cross, the same symbol that was problematic shorthand for "Christian nationalism" when Pete Hegseth had it inked on his chest. That's curious.

This “ministry” even offers an alternative liturgy for non-religious people. I’m at a loss for words.

[Ivanhoe]

https://religionnews.com/2025/05/12/episcopal-church-ends-refugee-resettlement-citing-moral-opposition-to-resettling-white-afrikaners/
 

Quote

 

(RNS) — In a striking move that ends a nearly four-decades-old relationship between the federal government and the Episcopal Church, the denomination announced on Monday (May 12) that it is terminating its partnership with the government to resettle refugees, citing moral opposition to resettling white Afrikaners from South Africa who have been classified as refugees by President Donald Trump’s administration.

In a letter sent to members of the church, the Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe — the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church — said that two weeks ago the government “informed Episcopal Migration Ministries that under the terms of our federal grant, we are expected to resettle white Afrikaners from South Africa whom the U.S. government has classified as refugees.”

The request, Rowe said, crossed a moral line for the Episcopal Church, which is part of the global Anglican Communion that boasts among its leaders the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a celebrated and vocal opponent of apartheid in South Africa.

 

As usual, not a good look.

[Murph]

Well good grief it’s not like they believe in the Christian sacraments or the Christian church anymore

[Mr King]

The left's ass is royally chapped that Trump is bringing in refugees that are white and who are actual refugees. They have been denying the goings on in South Africa against the whites for a while now.

Edited May 13, 2025 by Mr King

[seahawk]

One can say that Trump exposes all collaborators of the left.

[NickM]

11 hours ago, Mr King said:

The left's ass is royally chapped that Trump is bringing in refugees that are white and who are actual refugees. They have been denying the goings on in South Africa against the whites for a while now.

I ran that headline thru a search engine and all the usual suspects popped up to pooh pooh the story: the ADL, The Guardian, The Beeb, Harpers...

[Murph]

Apparently they might be moving to Texas.  Cannot confirm that yet, but there was one report.  Lotta land up in the hill country that looks like South Africa.