Letters to the Editors
Our Loss
To the Editors:
I urge readers to take a good look at the Annual Report of the Secretary of
the General Church of the New Jerusalem for fiscal year ending June 30, 2015
beginning on page 636 in this issue. I believe it reveals an historic first in net
membership decline for the organization. According to past annual reports in
New Church Life (search heavenlydoctrines.org), not once in the past 134 years
has the General Church failed to add to its net membership rolls in any one
year. Why is this happening?
In the past fiscal year, 56 new members were added to the rolls while 55
were called to the other world. However, what is perhaps most telling and
distressing are the 19 resignations – a very high number - which show an
overall net membership loss of 18.
These are not just numbers. They are people, a very important part of our
community that is no longer there. I am aware that many resigned, at least in
part, due to the policy of not allowing women to become priests in the General
Church. Others, I am sure, had their own reasons.
In the past, I have had the privilege and honor, at times, of working with
some of these former members who have been faithful volunteers, contributors
and supporters of the General Church, often for decades. I ask you to please
read their names and to remember their good works!
I am moved by their personal courage and the need to take such action;
an action born of conscience. I am also deeply saddened by their loss and
ours; a loss in talent, useful service and love that cries out for our clergy and
the General Church Board to refocus anew their efforts on seeking solutions
to the many critical issues – not just women in the priesthood – now facing
our Church.
How many more resignations will it take?
Peter Boericke
Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania
560