A new sort of inclusiveness

I sometimes get puzzled looks when I describe myself as an evangelical Catholic.  I feel a lot more confident about my own religious identity after reading the story of Rev. Ann Holmes Redding, an Episcopal priest in Seattle who is also a practicing Muslim.  (HT: Evangelical Outpost)  She explains:

"I am both Muslim and Christian, just like I'm both an American of African descent and a woman. I'm 100 percent both."

Redding doesn't feel she has to resolve all the contradictions. People within one religion can't even agree on all the details, she said. "So why would I spend time to try to reconcile all of Christian belief with all of Islam?

"At the most basic level, I understand the two religions to be compatible. That's all I need."

And when do the church's disciplinary proceedings get underway?  Well . . . maybe not right now:

Redding's bishop, the Rt. Rev. Vincent Warner, says he accepts Redding as an Episcopal priest and a Muslim, and that he finds the interfaith possibilities exciting.