In response to William Turpin's questions [TLC, Nov. 20] regarding certain issues of homosexuality, among other things:

1. The questions of ordaining non-celibate homosexual persons or advocating same-sex unions are superficial manifestations of the underlying question of one's degree of respect for scriptural authority (see 1 Cor. 6:9, for example). Are those who are in profound disagreement over this basic issue of authority and its provenance truly in theological communion with each other?

2. If the Episcopal Church does not have a common understanding of such a fundamental issue, are its attempts to spread the "gospel" not reduced to a mixed and ineffectual message?

3. Most individual parishes (if they are not to become dysfunctional) come to a consensus as to those basic issues, with those parishioners who painfully differ from the consensus drifting off to more compatible parishes. This solves conflict on the social level, but our rigid polity prevents such a practical and conscience-respecting safety valve when the conflict is between and among parishes and bishops on the diocesan and national levels.

4. The growing contradiction of the Episcopal Church continues to be ignored. How can a polity which is becoming progressively more rigid be reconciled with a theology which is becoming progressively less unified? Assuming we do not wish to impose a uniform theology, if we do not soon provide some safety valves in our polity such as flying bishops, the wheels may soon come off what is left of the church. Perhaps the weak polity of the Anglican Communion will eventually absorb two (or more) Episcopal Churches.

David W. Rawson

Berwyn, Pa.