A lot of people are in a turmoil in the Anglican Communion these days. The progressives point out the bald faced power politics played by the right, the conservatives point out the fuzzy thinking and rushed agenda of the left. What is the end of all this? Are hoards of unchurched people pouring into the "Continuing", conservative Anglican churches? Hm. Not that I see. Are hoards of people pouring into the Mainline Episcopal Church? Not that I see.
But is that a problem? What is the real point here? Is it to save our ancestral worship that we are comfortable in, our vestments, incense, male (presumed straight) Bishops OR is the point to worship Christ and Him crucified? To invite others along side to do the same, and to reach out in His name to all who enter our door or cross our path. It doesn't matter if we follow the "faith once delivered" if our youth refuse to attend.
Be attractive, be like Jesus, Who lived among sinful people yet drew them to Him. That will draw people to Him, not our Church, because after all, I think people can tell when we are following causes and not Christ.
Gracious Father, we pray for Your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ Your Son our Savior. Amen.
So true. Thanks for this. It's amazing how easy it's become to forget this basic truth in the current fracas.
Posted by: gaunilo | July 10, 2006 at 06:29 PM