Episcopal cleric tries Islamic rituals for Lent

[Jetavan]

The Rev. Steve Lawler should have just given up chocolate or television for Lent.

Instead, Lawler, of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Ferguson, decided to adopt the rituals of Islam for 40 days to gain a deeper understanding of the faith.

On Friday, he faced being defrocked if he continued in those endeavors.

"He can't be both a Christian and a Muslim," said Bishop George Wayne Smith of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. "If he chooses to practice as Muslim, then he would, by default, give up his Christian identity and priesthood in the church."
....
Lawler said he only planned to take his idea so far. For example, he did not intend to declare his belief in the oneness of God and to accept Muhammad as God's prophet. It's the first of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are obligatory for Muslims.
....
By Friday afternoon, Lawler learned that the Episcopal church is more rigid than he had thought. After hearing the objections of the bishop, Lawler reversed course, giving up the Islamic rituals.

If he isn't saying shahada, and if he is just praying in a different way, then I don't see a major problem.

[Benjamin the Red]

I'm more surprised by the fact that the bishop cracked down, than the fact that the priest is "exploring" Islam.

Perhaps there is a sliver of hope for the Episcopal Church afterall.

[GabrieltheCelt]

The Rev. Steve Lawler should have just given up chocolate or television for Lent.

Instead, Lawler, of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Ferguson, decided to adopt the rituals of Islam for 40 days to gain a deeper understanding of the faith.

On Friday, he faced being defrocked if he continued in those endeavors.

"He can't be both a Christian and a Muslim," said Bishop George Wayne Smith of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. "If he chooses to practice as Muslim, then he would, by default, give up his Christian identity and priesthood in the church."
....
Lawler said he only planned to take his idea so far. For example, he did not intend to declare his belief in the oneness of God and to accept Muhammad as God's prophet. It's the first of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are obligatory for Muslims.
....
By Friday afternoon, Lawler learned that the Episcopal church is more rigid than he had thought. After hearing the objections of the bishop, Lawler reversed course, giving up the Islamic rituals.

If he isn't saying shahada, and if he is just praying in a different way, then I don't see a major problem.

 The good professor is also going to start a program called "Giving Up Church For Lent."  What is it about this religion that attracts people who don't like it?  Seems to me that if you like something, you accept it rather than constantly testing its boundaries and trying to change it.    

[Anastasia1]

The good professor is also going to start a program called "Giving Up Church For Lent."  What is it about this religion that attracts people who don't like it?  Seems to me that if you like something, you accept it rather than constantly testing its boundaries and trying to change it.

When you know it's real, and you know you don't like it is when you know you need it?

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