Posted by Dean Calvert
on 6/30/2009, 12:30 pm, in reply to "Re: hmmmm"
Al and Hermie,
I don't want to sound like the moonies or the people at Jonestown..
And I certainly recognize that there are theological issues between the two groups...I think the metropolitan actually addressed the Calvinist issue in his speech.
But two years ago, when we had our Colloquium with Anglicans, it was absolutely obvious to me that we were missing a huge opportunity...ironically with the same Bishop (Duncan) that seems to be leading this group. The opportunity, as I expressed in frustration to Abp Nathaniel was expressed this way: "Eminence, if we had our act together, we could approach those conservative bishops with a proposal...and they would probably accept coming under the Holy Synod en masse - think of the possibilities." Of course, at the time, the OCA hierarchy had bigger things to worry about, and was in no position to welcome anyone.
Around the same time, there were meetings of the conservative Anglicans in Africa...they occurred in Alexandria. I kept wondering how long it would be before we would read about those bishops coming under the omorphorion of the patriarch there...never happened.
Look...i don't mean to minimize the differences. But I also see the possibilities. Let's face it, if only a fraction of those now in the ACNA joined the Orthodox Church, it would probably double the size of the Orthodox on this continent.
I think the metropolitan sees the possibilities and has a vision...and having grown up in that church, he probably understands the issues much better than we do.
Just a thought.
Personally, I'm beginning to wonder - Does the man (Met. Jonah) ever sleep? he's like "where's waldo"...LOL
Best Regards,
Dean
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