Letter to the editor: Criticism of Anglican Watch on Reddit underscores corruption in the Episcopal Church
Dear editor,
Recently, I came across a series of derogatory postings about Anglican Watch on the /Anglicanism and /Episcopalian subreddits. I want to respond.
- The persons in question need to learn the meaning of the word “salacious.” To be clear, it does not mean scandalous, impertinent, or defamatory, contrary to how it is used in this context. Redditors don’t know what a word means should do themselves a favor and keep their mouths shut.
- Similarly, even a cursory investigation reveals that Anglican Watch is a non-profit corporation. Thus, it cannot be a proprietorship, contrary to claims on Reddit.
- The Episcopal Church cannot claim to be a “big tent” when, as here, it attempts to censor those who criticize it. Jesus welcomed Judas Iscariot, but the Episcopal Church can’t even handle mundane criticism.
- As a survivor of abuse in the Episcopal Church, I was brushed off by everyone from PB Michael Curry to dozens of Title IV officials, despite the fact that my abuser is a priest, and his conduct is well-documented. I therefore assure all involved that Anglican Watch is both needed and accurate.
- Similarly, the only people who have ever helped me were folks atAnglican Watch.
- In fact, I only got justice after Anglican Watch covered my story.
- This paradigm, in which church members claim the church cannot be abusive because it’s ostensibly progressive and inclusive is the baseline reason the church is so abusive.
- I know literally hundreds of people who have left the Episcopal Church because of its dismal handling of clergy discipline.
- Until the church cleans up its act, it will continue to decline.
- Two different persons who volunteer with Anglican Watch have become lifelong friends of mine.
In other words, assholes on Reddit can kiss my lesbian ass and f*** all the way off, then keep going. It’s hypocritical jackasses like them that are the reason the Episcopal Church is dying.
– Older, wiser, not particularly patient
*Portions were lightly edited for clarity and to redact profanity
Redditors are what made me realize the sickness in the church extends past clergy. Most church members get absolutely irate at the idea of an abuse victim speaking out. It gobsmacked me to realize that “Christians” don’t actually give a shit about following Christ at all. Before that, I’d assumed MOST Episcopalians WOULDNT want corruption in the Church.
The Catholics have their own sins to deal with and I’m sure plenty haven’t been addressed yet – however – they are TRYING, which is more than I can say for the Archbishop.