There is an article in today's Globe and Mail about the struggle of mainline churches to survive in the city. It has a nice big picture of my friend, Diocesan Consultant Simon Bell, wandering around the Cathedral like he's never been there before! This is amusing enough, but towards the end of the article another friend of mine, Jeff Kennedy (Rector of St. Matthias) is quoted saying, "I will bless anything presented to me at the liturgy."
Of course, Jeff would have said this with perfect deadpan humor, and I'm not sure that comes through in print, but it makes me laugh just to imagine it. I'm tempted to compile a list of the 10 most absurd/amusing things someone might present to Jeff to bless in the liturgy!
-t
6 comments:
Anything? ...Anyone?
Any rational person can only feel dismay at Simon Bell's comments.
First, how can a Diocesan official share in the public media his assessment of the viability of churches in the Parkdale Deanery while the “Parkdale Process” is still continuing? It suggests the Diocese has had from the start an agenda about those churches’ futures, and that the Process (which most recently has involved each Parish holding a Special Vestry) has been a sham. It will send a similar message to the other (3 or 4) deaneries where such a process is now underway or threatened.
How discouraged must the Parkdale churches not named by God I mean Mr Bell feel about their supposed non-futures.
Bell also throws in gratuitous observations as to his perceptions of the operational strengths of a number of parishes, both within the Deanery and outside of it. Any professional consultant doing so, especially mid-process, would be fired on the instant. If a Bishop or Archdeacon wants to share their views of a parish with the Rector or Wardens, in private, that is his prerogative. By what right does a paid functionary such as Mr Bell spout his judgments in public with the national religion reporter of Canada's national newspaper ? It's WAY beyond his remit as Congregational Development Consultant.
Most offensive to this reader, if the Church of the Redeemer is in fact (and it wouldn't surprise me) “leaving the Anglican liturgy behind” then surely this is a matter which the Ordinary should investigate and correct. It's not a formula a Diocesan consultant should commend as a good way for a downtown church to survive.
This is just another example of why so many people feel, with great sadness, that the Anglican Church is doomed.
Well, I would say in Simon's defense that he seemed to be commenting on the strengths of the Parkdale parishes, and not the weaknesses. He doesn't say that any of the Parkdale parishes are no longer viable, though that might be implied by what he didn't say. And these are all assessments that he has shared before during the Parkdale Process at various public meetings, etc., and it was his job to talk about parish viable during the Parkdale Process. Much of the work of that process is really based on the fact that several of those parishes cannot survive on their own within the current scheme, they simply aren't viable in the long term without some kind of reorganization or external support. So, again, I do think it was his job to make that assessment and thus encourage the Parkdale parishes to form some kind of new arrangement.
Also, it should be said that the diocesan standard of what is considered "viable" is well established by various diocesan studies and documents, so it's really not just Simon's opinion; it's simply the application of a standard, IMHO.
I think the idea that Redeemer is "leaving Anglican liturgy behind" is more the assessment of Michael Valpy than Simon Bell. I'm very familiar with Redeemer's worship and haven't seen anything that seems "beyond" Anglican liturgy by any means! But they are embracing the best of Anglican liturgy by creating a style of worship that is at once beautiful, modern, and Godly. More important than "is this Anglican liturgy" is the question, "does this convey God's grace." I think Redeemer is, in fact, doing the Holy Spirit's will. There are a diversity of gifts but one Spirit--there are a diversity of church styles, but one Lord!
I worry when people start talking about Anglicanism being "doomed." I just don't see it, but I do see that there is a big shift happening that many will find threatening. Look, Christian faith has to find appropriate expression in every age. That expression changes, it always has. What's wrong with that? If anything is "doomed," it's the notion that all we have to do is sit in our big stone buildings being church and that we are entitled to have people fill our pews. At this moment the church is called to take on a missionary character that is responsive to the needs of a world desperate for the Gospel. The only way we can be "doomed" is if we fail to follow our Lord's commandment at the end of Matthew's Gospel: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." We're trying, Lord, we're trying!
-t
-t
I have to admit that I tend to be quite sceptical of assertions that Redeemer-style worship is intrinsic to the survival of Anglicanism. It may be in the short run, but it certainly seems that when my generation comes of age (and starts to be ordained) there will be a definite resurgence of traditional Anglo-Catholic liturgy.
No one disputes that Anglo-Catholic liturgy will continue to be celebrated and appeal to many. The question is whether new expressions will be permitted/developed. -t
BTW, another update on this story. There were a number of factual errors made by the reporter. Besides the whole "Redeemer is leaving Anglican liturgy" thing, there is the ironic fact that Simon hasn't been part of the closing of the church, yet, unlike his fellow consultants in the Congregational Development Office. And, of course, he doesn't decide which ones close, anyway, that's up to the Bishops, etc.
It's possible we may see a press release from the Diocese to respond to the article in the Globe. If so, I'll post it.
-t
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