There is a need for reconciliation in the Episcopal Church [TLC, June 6, 13]. However, there are not one but three controversies that require resolution if our church is to be an effective voice of the gospel in the coming century:

1. The Validity of Anglican Orders. Anglicans and Roman Catholics have made great strides recently in discussing the issue of authority, but at the same time the pope has infallibly declared Anglican orders to be invalid. This year the Roman church has reconciled itself with Orthodoxy after a split of almost 1,000 years. Is it not time for the Archbishop of Canterbury to resolve the issue of Anglican orders with the pope?

2. Ordination of Women. Is no one in the Episcopal Church concerned that 800 million Roman Catholics, 300 million Orthodox and about half of the Anglican Communion disagree with our church's position? The issue with most conservatives is not that they are opposed to inclusion of women in the ministry but rather with the validity of the sacrament. How can so many in our church be so certain that a vote of General Convention is sufficient to override 2,000 years of tradition started by no less a person than Jesus Christ himself? If the sacrament is necessary for salvation, should not our church be able to convincingly assure our people that they are receiving the body and blood of Christ at communion without leaving any room for doubt?

3. Ordinations and Blessings of Homosexual Persons. Conservatives will never accept a practice clearly condemned by scripture. How then can this be reconciled? Why is it so important to liberals that a person's sexual orientation and practice be made manifest in the life of the church? Surely homosexuals have been ordained in the past without disclosing their sexual preferences. There is nothing wrong in itself with blessing a friendship. Why must the sexual aspect be emphasized? Perhaps the church needs a "don't ask, don't tell" policy that moral people will be ordained and friendships blessed but that we will cease asking or talking about whether the person is homosexual or heterosexual. Leave the judging to God and keep the scriptures intact.

Charles C. Wicks

Elkhart, Ind.