Bishops gathering left and right. Make that only right.

On the heels of news that the Bishop of Texas had invited "Windsor-compliant bishops" to Camp Allen for a pow-wow came word of another meeting of primarily right-leaning bishops. The Texas meeting has the "blessing" of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the other upcoming meeting, to be attended by our Presiding Bishop and Presiding Bishop-elect, includes the Rev'd Canon Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion. Our Presiding Bishop has issued a statement explaining the New York guest list, saying that it is simply an opportunity "those of differing perspectives to come together in a spirit of mutual respect to exchange views."

For all the talk from some quarters about a vast left-wing conspiracy to take over the Episcopal Church, it should be noted that no news has reached this blogger of upcoming meetings of the likes of Chane and Robinson. Are they meeting quietly? Perhaps there really is no vast left-wing conspiracy? At least one prominent blogger wonders if the New York meeting will lead to "betrayal."

My hunch is that the composition of this group will give momentum to an argument/fear already abroad in liberal circles: that when push comes our elected episcopal leadership may well betray the convictions of the majorities that elected them for the sake of what they perceive to be our institutional viability.

I am not suggesting that a betryal is in the works, but this matter continues to be handled on both sides of the ocean in a way certain to demoralize the Church's left/center majority.