ACU Director Issues Statement on Announced Ordination Plans
Diocesan Press Service. August 28, 1975 [75295]
PELHAM MANOR, N.Y. -- Asked to comment today (August 26) on the announcement that five women intend to participate in a service on September 7, 1975 as an attempt to be ordained priests in the Episcopal Church, the Rev. Canon Charles H. Osborn, Executive Director of the American Church Union, has issued the following statement:
" It is tragic and saddening to see people so caught up in their own desires that they lose all sense of responsibility and perspective. Such, in my view, is the case with the ' activist' proponents of the ordination of women.
" The announcement that five more women will attempt to be ordained priests is not surprising. Desperation is setting-in. Flagrant disregard by the 'Philadelphia 11,' and now these five, for due process seems now to have alienated many. Fear is being expressed that the due process route will probably result in a 'no' answer. Therefore, the proponents must try to delude the public (and the uninformed churchman) that 'we already have women priests so why not bring the rules and regulations into conformity with what we say exists. '
"I think the bishops of the dioceses in which most of the antics of the proponents have taken place have tried to act with patience and charity. Most of those bishops are in favor of the ordination of women. But the utter disregard for their jurisdiction and ecclesiastical office on the part of those whose cause they support is difficult to comprehend.
"Catholic Priesthood is not, and never has been, an individual right. It is, rather, an awesome responsibility conveyed and undertaken in accordance with the mind of the whole Church, not just a few in isolated areas of the Church. The gross pride in this 'my priesthood' notion is to me indicative of the lack of vocation involved, and 6f the impatience and immaturity often found in those who disagree with the Church." The American Church Union is a national body of catholic-minded Episcopal bishops, clergy, and lay people.