The diocese's 2004 budget now shows a $900,000 drop in income from 2003 because it was discovered that 64 parishes in all would be contributing less money, diocesan treasurer Mike Kerr said. Hearings were held yesterday afternoon on ways to bring the budget up to $3.9 million, cutting the deficit back to $845,203.
Many of those opposed to the Robinson decision have left the church. Others have protested against his ordination by reduced their financial support. Some congregations have discussed leaving the denomination altogether. On January 30, Bishop Lee scolded those opposing the decision to maintain unity with the church:
"For as a heretic, you are only guilty of a wrong opinion," Bishop Lee said, quoting Presbyterian scholar James McCord. "As a schismatic, you have torn and divided the body of Christ. Choose heresy every time."
After delegates applauded him, he added, "I hope we will avoid both heresy and schism."
Heresy, a doctrine which contradicts church dogma, is worse. The church is based on the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died to cover men's sins. The point where a specific body chooses not to recognize the diety of Christ is where they cease to be Christian. If they decide that man can overcome his sinfulness by himself - that personal goodness is an alternate route to salvation, they have become a different religion.
Schism as a result of heresy has very negative results, but it is by far the lesser of the two evils. It results in two damaged congregations, but one of them will be doctrinally correct. This is better than one healthy body with unchallenged heresies.
The best analogy I can think of is an individual with a gangrene-infected limb. Unity is great, but what value does it have when the unified whole is dead?
(Hat-tip to Joyful Christian)
