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.
