new church life: september/october 2014
struggle to identify themselves with a church that does not ordain women.
One reminded us that we accommodate in many ways all the time. Another
reminded us of the hurt many women would feel if we did ordain women, and
that accommodating at the loss of our integrity would not guarantee a gain in
membership.
Yet another said that the reason homosexual marriage might be the next
issue is because it is the same issue in many people’s minds: freedom. Another
paraphrased Mr. Roth as looking for a way for local congregations to make
accommodations where the church as a whole cannot.
The remaining hour was opened to general discussion of any of the papers.
Twenty-two people spoke. Several spoke to the need for the church to increase
its respect for the voices of women in the everyday life of the church, regardless
of structural changes like ordaining women. Some suggested adjoining uses or
“ministries” other than priestly ones from the caring and helping professions.
Others drew attention to the need to affirm a place for men in today’s
churches which are increasingly populated by women. Others addressed the
specter of the church being split over this issue, some expressing hope that
this not happen, while others focusing on the need for boundaries and mutual
respect.
Joint meeting with General Church Board: After lunch to which General
Church Board members were invited, we spent the afternoon in a joint session
between the clergy and the Board. The purpose was to provide an opportunity
for interaction, and to consider the uses of the Church together as a precursor
to a General Church strategic planning cycle.
Bishop Keith kicked off this joint session with a presentation on the state
of the Church, its challenges and its opportunities. He reminded us of current
and past mission statements. He showed how the central budget is used to
support our mission. After several years of cuts, he said, we are really down
to the bare bones of essential uses. He also suggested we may wish to discuss
when uses ought to be administered locally as opposed to centrally.
Speaking to challenges, he noted that:
• Singles often have a hard time fitting into the life of the Church
• People who get into disorder tend to withdraw completely
• Financial contributions are not really seen as necessary or as a duty
• Many feel at a loss describing the Church to others
• The culture around us supports things antithetical to our principles, and
we do not embrace church attendance as we once did
Turning to opportunities, Bishop Keith spoke of:
• The vision of the Lord we have been given
• The practical teachings about repentance, use and marriage we can share
418