Episcopalians in the Diocese of Northern Michigan recently elected a controversial new bishop, who has been criticized by some for challenging long-accepted teachings on sin, salvation and the the crucifixion. He's also received a Buddhist lay ordination.
The Rev. Kevin G. Thew Forrester denies that Satan exists, doesn't believe God sent Jesus to die for the world's sins and teaches that many paths lead to spiritual salvation. He's also altered the denomination's prayer book, which include its baptismal vows and the words of the Apostles' Creed. Read an interview he did with Frank Lockwood.
Church watchers say Forrester might be the first bishop-elect to be rejected by the House of Bishops since the 1930s. Under the canons of the Episcopal Church, the election of any bishop must be ratified by a majority of both the bishops and standing committees of other Episcopal dioceses.
In central Pennsylvania, the diocesan standing commitee recently consented to Forrester's election. Diocesan Bishop Nathan Baxter did not.
"My greatest concern is that his sense or understanding of the trinity lacks an appreciation of the essential atoning and incarnate role of Jesus," Baxter wrote.
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