Yesterday, the Official Youth Presence were introduced to the House of Bishops and two members addressed the bishops briefly.
Here is what Bishop Andy Doyle of Texas tweeted.
Proud to welcome official Youth Presence at HOB. Someday, some will be sitting in our chairs. #notabadthing #gc78 pic.twitter.com/kWRjVipw1g
— C. Andrew Doyle (@TexasBishop) June 26, 2015
But this is what Bishop Dan Martins of Springfield tweeted.
#GC78 Never very impressed with the "official youth presence." How do they get chosen?
— Daniel Martins (@BishSpringfield) June 26, 2015
Not surprisingly, Bp Martins’ tweet did not elicit much support…
Let me state without any hesitation: I am proud of our youth and their presence among us! #GC78 #GC2015
— Bishop Ed Konieczny (@OKBishopEd) June 26, 2015
And a lot of negative feedback such as…
Bp of Springfield keeps digging. He listened to teens for 5 minutes. They didn't say what he wanted to hear #GC78 https://t.co/1v6YCXN00p
— Jim Naughton (@JimNaught) June 26, 2015
Bp Martins has since apologized. Well, not really, but he definitely was sorry that everyone was angry and misunderstood what he was trying to say.
#gc78 Meant no offense in tweet re GCOYP. Just being honest about my experience over 5 GCs. Steady progressive orthodoxy; not much Jesus.
— Daniel Martins (@BishSpringfield) June 26, 2015
Surely someone as capable and intelligent as Dan Martins should have sense enough to expect such an ungracious and unkind comment would prove hurtful and damaging. It is, frankly, shocking that a bishop of this church would have a heart so hardened as to casually utter such an un-constructive and mean-spirited comment.
posted by Jon White