Don't worry, God is not fooled nor was He doing a new thing in New Hampshire. All that happened was that a group of schismatic bishops laid hands on Gene Robinson in defiance of Scripture, Tradition, and the Anglican Communion. By so doing they devalued their own consecrations and brought him to their level. Whatever happened, he wasn't "elevated" to the Episcopate.

That does not make it a sacramental act of consecration. Without obedience to scripture, tradition and the larger communion it was only a magic act. "Hey, Presto! You're a bishop just like us!" Indeed he is. One more victory for the sellers of purple. No victory for God and His Church.

By claiming that this was a work of the Holy Spirit they commit blasphemy. They have confused a majority vote of the last General Convention with the Revelation of God. They call black white, and white black. It is a dangerous thing to confuse good and evil. Make no mistake, they are spirit led, but not all spirits are the Holy Spirit. They clearly, enthusiastically, devoutly, follow the spirit of this age. So in sense, what they did was very "spiritual."

Nevertheless do not be disheartened. Even in this a work of the true God is revealed. St. Paul says,

"For, in the first place, when you assemble as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you; and I partly believe it, for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized." (Romans 11:18-19)

By this flagrant action of theirs we know clearly who is genuine, and who is not.

But give heed to a New Testament warning,

"Any one who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; he who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son. If any one comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house or give him any greeting; for he who greets him shares his wicked work." (2 John 9-11).

By denying the reality of the nature of sin, they deny the applicability of redemption through Christ to those whose life styles are in clear contradiction to Scripture. Take heed! Do not even implicitly approve their actions. Do not share their wicked work.

~ Father Rob +