After I read the letter to the church from the Task Force twice and watched part of the TREC webcast, I decided to put in writing my non-exhaustive response to re-imagining the Episcopal Church in the form of "Yeas" and "Nays". Not all of my "Yeas" reference TREC's ideas. Sadly, in the "virtual town hall meeting" webcast, the members of the Task Force did more talking than listening and answered certain questions less than forthrightly and, at times, defensively. Full disclosure: I did not watch the entire webcast.
NAY
Reduce the size of the Executive Council, which would make the group less democratic than in its present form
Further centralize power in the office of the Presiding Bishop, with the Presiding Bishop as CEO
YEA
The Presiding Bishop's main role as chief pastor to the church
The Presiding Bishop retain her/his position as a diocesan with a suffragan(s) to assist in diocesan duties
Appoint a COO who is accountable to and under the authority of the Executive Committee, which includes the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies, to manage executive tasks
Include clergy and lay representatives in certain decision-making powers now vested solely in the House of Bishops
Sell the property on Second Avenue in New York City where the Episcopal Church office is located, and move the office to empty space on the grounds of the National Cathedral in Washington DC
Reduce the diocesan asking to 15% or less, preferably no more than a tithe, 10%
Further:
For living examples of re-imagining church contact faithful Episcopalians who remained in TEC after their bishops left the church and took the property with them, and have a look at their websites.
Members and churches are already using networks without the encouragement or permission of the leadership.
A reminder that, in the end, all church is local.
From an outspoken and not-so-humble pew warmer.
Thank you. The Webcast was poor quality (out in the campo of America Central). I would NOT like to see the Executive Council reduced in size. I would NOT like to see the authority of the Presiding Bishop expanded. I would LIKE to see the LAITY have stronger participation at ALL councils of Churchlife (including rotating observers at the ALL the House of Bishops meetings and attendence at Lambeth Conference). I believe that expense can be reduced in a major way if SPOUCES of Bishops do not travel with Bishops to House of Bishops Meetings. Grow up. I believe because a person is called to be Presiding Bishop that *calling* does NOT mean they necessarily have the talent, training or intellectual capability/experience to reimagine, reimige or set out on and lofty creative *advertising* projects without close supervision (and outside of intimate circle *expert* advice). What desperately NEEDS to be reevaluated is the TALENT necessary to be a leader who preaches at a level of being understood by WE pew sitters. Words in homilies, that generate enthusiasm and great hospitality of our Church. I think it is basic: TEC must be a POWER OF ATTRACTION in all that we do. The Episcopal Church does WELCOME everyone...then what? Making friends is the key, hospitality, genuine warmth and less posturing and diminished self promoting at leadership levels will encourage the *rightsizedness* that will attract real people who want and need the spiritual gifts that WE offer as a Church.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Len. As my friend Ann reminded me, I am more and more wary of code words like "nimble" and "streamline" to justify further centralization of power.
Delete¨Dictate¨ ¨Dodge¨ and ¨Strip¨ (when ignore isn't enough)
DeleteCode words abound, and we need to be watchful.
DeleteAnd yes, Len, "WELCOME everyone...then what?" is an excellent question.
DeleteChurches are boring.
DeleteGreat thoughts on our church June. I agree on all points with you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, talkandchatter. I had noted my responses and re-imaginings earlier, and I decided to edit and publish, because, why not?
DeleteMimi, as a foreigner observing from afar, I think I would strongly agree with almost everything you say here. Of course, people who are used to the politics of power in church land (whether on the left or the right) will continue to operate under the delusion that they can regulate and control people, but I suspect that faithful Christians who want above all else to follow Christ will be more and more creative about finding ways to do that, even when it involves going 'around' the institution in all its hubris.
ReplyDeleteTim
Thanks, Tim. Your words apply as well to our church.
DeleteOnline social networks, over which the powers-that-be have little control, have changed the picture, and I don't know whether the people in power are fully aware of just how much the entire landscape has changed. Sometimes they seem woefully out of touch. The members of the task force have stated repeatedly that they want feedback, but one member said that the task force never looked at the comments on the FB page that the group itself set up! The commentary included a number of worthy suggestions.
Hi again all, have just re-read my comment and was horrified at how self-righteous and arrogant it sounded. Please disregard everything after the first sentence. My apologies, Mimi and all.
ReplyDeleteTim
But, but, but...I liked your comment!
DeleteWell, you are very gracious, my friend!
DeleteIt struck me that I was criticizing others for 'hubris', but seemed to be showing quite a bit of it myself!!!
Tim
I did not see hubris in your comment, Tim.
Delete