How "Broad" Are Anglicans?

Whether conservative Episcopalians should leave and form their own
denomination or not depends less on their views- clearly different from the mainstream- than on the extent to which it is possible to live with what is literally a 'broad church'.

In my view, it is healthy to have debate within denominations as well as across them. In Judaism, we are very good at splitting, and have Reform, Conservative, Liberal, Orthodox,modern orthodox, and the only ones who do not split much are Sephardi Jews. Does this help us? Well, it makes views within our groups more consistent than they would otherwise be, but there is still plenty of argument and debate, and splits in opinion. As I get older, I prefer the idea of tolerating different views within one organization. I think splitting is a sign of failure, and I very much regret it when it happens.If they can stay, they should - but that depends on a series of relationships just as much as on their views- and on a high level of tolerance on all sides.

By Julia Neuberger  |  January 5, 2009; 7:55 AM ET  | Category:  Personal Religion
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