Yes. God can use even +Andrew Smith for good.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NASB)

That’s my life verse right there. Time and time again I’ve seen God take awful things and use them for a greater good. So I know God will use the evil of Connecticut ECUSA Bishop Andrew Smith for good, maybe even great good.

Why? ‘Cause the Bible sez so.

Ah, it feels good to let my inner fundie out.

But I’m Anglican now, so I should use reason, too. So here goes.

+Smith’s actions are an outrage that cannot go unanswered. If nothing else, they bring home the urgency of the need for provision and place for orthodox North American Anglicans.

Therefore, the mess in Connecticut will reveal whether various parties in the Anglican Communion are really serious or just all talk.

We’ll find out if ECUSA really is inclusive or if their oh-so-inclusiveness excludes conservatives who have a bishop who doesn’t like them. The true face of ECUSA will become more evident to all.

We’ll find out if North American Orthodox Anglicans have the backbone to do more than create organizations and issue press releases. (I think they do and am particularly encouraged by the creation of CAPAC. But we’ll see.)

We’ll find out if the Panel of Reference serves any useful purpose or is another Society to Put Things on Top of Other Things. The Primates clearly intended for it to help out besieged conservatives. But then ++Rowan Williams dragged his feet, then appointed as chairman Peter Carnley, a man who has long been part of the problem, not part of the solution. Carnley then promptly made clear the Panel would be even less assertive than STPTOTOOT. So we can see where that’s heading.

Also, for those Anglicans who actually are serious about providing a place for the orthodox in North America, the actions of +Andrew Smith should speed things along.

And that’s just for starters. I haven’t mentioned the very real possibility +Smith will have his mitre cut down to size in court.

Texans needed the Alamo and Goliad to let them know inaction or defeat were not acceptable options. I certainly hope Bristol, Connecticut has a better outcome. But I think it’s serving the same purpose. It’s making quite clear the time for talk and *spit* “dialogue” is past.


UPDATE: YESSSSSS! THIS is backbone! I thought bishops weren’t supposed to have those.

Like I said . . . Romans 8:28.