Metropolitan Hilaron was deeply critical of what he characterized as a liberal capitulation to Western Culture that he saw in the Anglican Communion. He was especially critical about movements to ordain homosexuals and to consecrate women to the Episcopate.
Dr. Olsen, a proponent of both, has responded with a great piece at The Episcopal Café
Those who have taken for themselves a conservative label—whether they be Anglican, Russian Orthodox, or some other group—often fall short of the high ground they claim. While they may appear to be standing with Christ against Culture, all too often a deeper examination of their position reveals them to be nothing more than followers of a Christ of Culture as well. Assuredly, their culture is not the current contemporary Western culture, but sometimes the Gospel becomes nothing more than an excuse for the imposition of yet another human culture, especially one fashioned by nostalgia. Too often language about “traditional morals” is not an appeal to principles of virtue or the life of the Holy Spirit in the Church but to a by-gone all-too-human culture where women and gays stayed in their respective homes and closets.
