I am a

devout Episcopalian at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church in

Peachtree City and quite proud that our church and priest

do not take such

a "charismatic" approach to our faith in God!

As I read

the article, I thought that at any moment I would reach

the punch line and we would be enlightened on the need to

remove politics from our places of worship. I thought

that perhaps Pastor Epps would transition from his satire

into the true need of parishioners to give generously and

regularly in order to sustain proper church growth and

charity work.

But no,

Pastor Epps only digs deeper with statements such as,

"Pastor's salaries could go up... churches might

even be able to give year-end rebates on tithes."

What? Did anyone notice that this entire article was

centered around money?

What

infuriated me the most was the slightest statement

inferred towards other religious denominations which by

their own free will have chosen to utilize the grape

juice in Holy Communion as a choice that is "only a

few generations old," as he so sarcastically stated.

Was that necessary?

Anyone with

a grain of intelligence would know that this letter was

written with a certain level of satire in mind. The

problem is we place our priests, pastors, Ministers,

etc., properly on a higher level of teaching and

clarifying the word of Christ.

As an

Episcopalian, I find Pastor Epps comments to be

completely insensitive, lacking any level of religious

strength, and simply provocative. I might suggest that

Pastor Epps spend more time and energy provoking

religious thought and the following of the word of God,

rather than a sarcastic approach to "giving."

Pastor

Epps' last sentence asked, "Besides, what could it

hurt?" My feelings in the reverence for which I hold

God.

For some

"Episcopal" clarification to those who may not

be aware, Pastor Epps is not , nor has he ever

proclaimed to be, an ordained Episcopal priest.

Those who

wish to be confirmed by the Episcopal Bishop of the

Diocese of Atlanta in the beliefs and teachings of the

Episcopal faith, may not

do so through Pastor Epps or his "charismatic

church. The Episcopal Church is wrought with tradition

and formal reverence. Please don't misalign our beliefs

and method of following the word of God with those of the

"Charismatic."

Scott

Edge

Fayetteville

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