Gene Robinson is congratulated on the confirmation of his election at the General Convention by a crowd of young adults in Minneapolis.

Severing the Gordian Knot

By Elizabeth Kaeton

There is no doubt: the Episcopal Church has been bound, in mythic proportions, in a complex and intricate knot from which there has seemed no release. Human sexuality in general, and homosexuality in particular, has become the Gordian knot of the church which has bound us in fear and compelled us to "bless the tie that binds" rather than ask God's blessings on those who are bound together in love.

The story of the Gordian knot comes to us from Greek mythology. Gordius, king of Phrygia and father of Midas tied his wagon in the public square with a knot so intricately entwined that no one could undo it. Many tried, but failed. According to legend, Alexander the Great was unable to untie the knot, so he drew his sword and cut it through with one stroke. The expression "to cut the Gordian knot" is used to refer to a complex, difficult situation that is solved by quick and decisive action.

The election of Gene Robinson as bishop of the diocese of New Hampshire is also the stuff of myths and legends. It is the story of the difficult birth of a child born to poor tobacco sharecroppers who was supposed to have died, but lived to dedicate his life to the glory to God, and as a servant of Christ lived to become a bishop in the church.

I believe that Gene's election... will prove to be the sword of Alexander which cuts through the Gordian knot of human sexuality in the church.

I believe that Gene's election, which received the endorsement of both legislative bodies in the Episcopal Church's General Convention last month, will prove to be the sword of Alexander which cuts through the Gordian knot of human sexuality in the church.

Deep in my heart, I believe we will eventually go on to receive the authorization for the development of liturgical rites of blessing for those for whom marriage is not an option, whose relationships meet the standards of fidelity, monogamy, mutuality and respect.  

For now, we will settle for the recognition that "local faith communities are operating within the bounds of our common life as they explore and experience liturgies celebrating and blessing same-sex unions;" and for "the compilation and development by a special commission organized and appointed by the Presiding Bishop of resources to facilitate as wide a conversation of discernment as possible throughout the church."

Gene's election cuts through an intricate and complex knot which will free us all to have a place to stand in the church. Where we choose to take that stand is quite another matter. Those who have felt outside the circle will celebrate the new-found liberation and inclusion; those who have benefited most from the security of the knot will find the sudden freedom frightening and unwanted.

God has delivered to us a mighty sword given to set us free from a bind of our own making. The challenge will be to take up the cords which had previously bound us and weave them into a new foundation of faith.

No matter. The Gordian knot has been severed.   Already it has happened. God has delivered to us a mighty sword given to set us free from a bind of our own making. The challenge will be to take up the cords which had previously bound us and weave them into a new foundation of faith. Something on which to stand. Something on which to take a stand not to be bound by anything except our love in Christ for each other. Something to give to our children and our children's children.  

We are in the process, as these days unfold, of living into both history and myth.

It is the stuff of legend and parable. It is also the stuff of wonder and miracles. So, if it has begun to feel a bit surreal, it's just because it is.

The Rev. Elizabeth Kaeton is a regular contributor to A Globe of Witnesses. Her column is titled Another Word for Justice . Elizabeth may be reached by email at EMKaeton@aol.com

Related Link: Read Irene Monroe's Let the Church Say Amen on Gene Robinson's election.