The real job of the laity is to reconcile the world. Out there. The congregation is where our Christian community thrives—it is where we live, pray, worship, become renewed. It is our proving ground, where we practice resurrection, where we learn about ourselves and how to become whole human beings.
The nation’s largest Presbyterian denomination is on the brink of removing its longstanding ban on ordaining non-celibate gays and lesbians. The decisive vote could come as early as tomorrow at a meeting of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area in Minnesota. That presbytery approved a similar resolution
The Episcopal Church’s pension fund is currently funded at 1.26 of future obligations. The industry average is about .85. Even implying conservative standards, the fund has a significant surplus.
Most congregations know the financial squeeze of recent years from the economic recession. What is more striking is that the financial downturn for denominations is even more pronounced and perhaps more long lasting. The practice of depending on fewer people to provide more money is unsustainable in the face of the coming “death tsunami.”
The big tent collapsed this weekend, and it was Sojourners who yanked out the tent poles. So I am wondering how we alert official Washington that Jim Wallis and his minions no longer speak for us?
It is the Day of the Resurrection, and my Beginning has good auspices. Let us then keep the Festival with splendour, and let us embrace one another. Let us say Brethren, even to those who hate us; much more to those who have done or suffered aught out of love for us. Let us forgive all offences for the Resurrection’s sake.