S.C. diocese’s bishop-elect answers the tough questions
By John H. Adams, The Layman Online, September 21, 2006
The recent, first-ballot election of Mark J. Lawrence of California to become the 14th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina provides an example of an open process that is rarely seen in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The diocese required Lawrence and the other candidates to rank their views on a number of hot issues, including allowing congregations to leave the Episcopal Church (USA) with their property. They answered in a range of 1 (strongly agree) to five (strongly disagree). In addition, they were asked to describe themselves “with regard to Scripture” on a range of 1 (revisionist) to 10 (traditional/evangelical).
Lawrence ranked himself solidly on the traditional end of the scale on the issues before the denomination. In fact, his views were so traditional that the diocese has posted a commentary that raises the question, “Will Those who Claim to be Inclusive Exclude South Carolina’s Episcopal Choice?”
By Episcopal standards, the Diocese of South Carolina is strongly traditional, so Lawrence is on solid footing on his new home turf. It is one of seven dioceses that have rejected the authority of the recently elected Katherine Jefferts Schori as the first female presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, the U.S. arm of the Anglican Communion.
Leaders of the diocese said they rejected her authority because she supported the consecration of V. Eugene Robinson of New Hampshire as the denomination’s first openly homosexual bishop and that Schori “has advocated and permitted same-sex blessings in her diocese is another painful complication.”
Lawrence’s election must be approved by majorities of the nation’s bishops and standing committees. While it is rare that a diocese’s selection is rejected, Lawrence faces likely opposition from the liberal bishops who are in the majority.
“If his election were not to be approved, it would create a severe problem,” Kendall Harmon, canon theologian for the diocese, told The State, South Carolina’s largest newspaper. The last time the bishops and standing committee rejected a candidate was in 1934.
In response to the diocesan survey, Lawrence rated himself as a (strongly traditional/evangelical) with regard to Scripture.
Some of his other views:
- Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. (1, strongly agree)
- Jesus Christ was born of a virgin through the Holy Spirit. (1, strongly agree)
- Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead in bodily form. (1, strongly agree)
- The miracles attested to in Scripture actually took place as described. (1, strongly agree)
- Scripture is God’s coherent revelation to us of Himself, of our nature, and of His plan and purpose for human life and salvation. (1, strongly agree)
- We have learned much since Scripture was written, such that some of what it purports to each must be modified or rejected. (4, disagree)
- The only context established and approved by God for sexual relationship is between a man and woman in a committed marriage. (1, strongly agree)
- The issue in the ECUSA today with regard to homosexual conduct is an issue of the authority of Scripture. (1, strongly agree). (Lawrence also strongly agreed that homosexual conduct was an issue of pastoral care requiring sensitivity and compassion. And he agreed that was homosexual conduct also raises issues about salvation and the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.)
- The church should not divide over the issue of homosexual conduct. (5, strongly disagreed)
- As a priest, I should not follow my bishop’s direction when it conflicts with Scripture as traditionally interpreted by the Anglican Church. (1, strongly agreed)
- A summary of the results of this survey should be made public in the Diocese as well as given to the prospective bishop candidates in the Profile. (1, strongly agree)
Lawrence is a graduate of California State University and the Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. His most recent assignment was as rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bakersfield, Calif.