The Episcopal-Muslim Priest

(h/t: Hot Air) Seattle Episcopal priest, Rev. Ann Holmes Redding, recently announced that after 23 years in the priesthood, she is now both Muslim and Christian. (strange bedfellows indeed!) The Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island, Rev. Geralyn Wolf, sent her on sabbatical to sort things out. Basically, Redding is to take a year off to “reflect on the doctrines of the Christian faith, her vocation as a priest, and what [Wolf] sees as the conflict inherent in professing both Christianity and Islam.”

During the next year, Redding “is not to exercise any of the responsibilities and privileges of an Episcopal priest or deacon,” says Rev Wolf. Redding is of course, “…deeply saddened,” but said she would abide by the rulings of her bishop.

During the meeting, Redding took off her priest’s collar gave it to Rev. Wolf who will hold it for a year–symbolizing that they’re both in this together. At the end of the year, both the bishop and Holmes will revisit the issue. If unable to resolve her dilemma, Holmes will be asked to leave the priesthood. Presently, she isn’t willing to do that, and says, “The church is going to have to divorce me if it comes to that.” … “I’m not going to go willingly.” Still she recognizes, “God will guide me over this year.” (now, is that through Jesus or Allah?)

Even more troubling than this schizophrenic priest are those who actually accept Holmes’ dual-faithfullness. Seattle bishop, Rev. Vincent Warner, who accepts Redding as an Episcopal priest and a Muslim, said Wolf’s decision is a good compromise. (you’ve got to be kidding!)

Warner says, “It’s a good way to have a timeout and provide an opportunity for Ann to continue to teach … and at the same time take a look at her relationship both with the Episcopal Church and the Christian faith and Islam.”

In June, Redding made the announcement that for the past 15 months she had also been a Muslim. She said she was drawn to the faith after an introduction to Muslim prayers left her profoundly moved. Although many (understandably) were confused by her newfound Christian-Muslam marriage, many actually praised her “larger efforts to find common ground between Christianity and Islam.”

Okay. I can accept an effort to find common ground between Christianity and Islam. This is how we live together in a diverse society. However, how can one find common ground when it comes to faith? What compromises will Redding have to make between Episcopal doctrine and that of Islam? The Bible and the Qur’an are diametrically opposed. I recently argued that due to our Judeo-Christian values, one couldn’t be a Muslim and an American and in this situation, the same holds true.