The Living Church

Year Article Type Limit by Author

The Living ChurchApril 16, 2000Power and Authority by Seth G. Richmond220(16) p. 16-17

The Rev. Blaine R. Hammond raises interesting and profound questions in his article, "Donatism for Today" [TLC, March 12]. He draws a parallel between the Donatist Church's rejection of the consecration of Caecilian because one of his consecrators, Felix of Aptunga, was considered apostate, and the rejection or protest of some in the Episcopal Church to the ordained ministry of women or the ministry of those who promote or are involved in sexual relationships which are contrary to their understanding of scripture and tradition.

The validity of a sacrament - according to a good Donatist - is dependent on the character and sanctity of the celebrant. The church wisely rejected this notion and held up the idea that the efficacy of the sacraments resides in the unchangeable grace of God rather than the delicate, and sometimes capricious, state of a human soul.

I'm not certain that labeling as heretics - no matter how eloquently done - those who have deep disagreements with the direction that the church is moving is helpful. I find it ironic that those who regard themselves as the protectors of orthodoxy are now likened to Donatists by those who disagree with them. No matter what anyone believes, the central issue, unfortunately, seems to be one of power and authority. How do we determine who is allowed to be ordained? How do we determine orthodoxy or morality? How do we determine who's in and who's out? In our system we vote, and I'm sure that all who take our church seriously realize that in that system - at least so far - there are winners and losers.

In all fairness to those who are likened to Donatists, it must be acknowledged that their positions on ordination and sexuality were considered orthodox in the Episcopal Church only a generation ago. They did not change their positions; the church has changed her understanding.

This is very different than the situation that erupted in Africa during the fourth century.

(The Rev.) Seth G. Richmond

Church of the Good Shepherd

Rangeley, Maine