One Church. All for it. So why limit this to an ELCA One Church? I've been a member of the American Baptist Church, the United Methodist Church, the ELCA and now Episcopalian. Following Jesus each step to a wider, more open theology. The plan proposed is still wrapped in an institution and I have zero faith in the current systems to build, or even reform, institutions. They are deeply racist, corrupt and out of step with Jesus. I'm a Christian who's stepped away from the institution on purpose.
This is in response to current happenings within the church. I walked away. Im offering a proposal. Im not rallying support. Just pointing out an obvious constitutional solution. Thats all.
Understood ... you are pointing to current happenings 'within the church' where I now see you mean to say 'within the ELCA church'. That splits the very idea of One Church. I'm advocating for the larger definition of One Church - it's all broken. Appreciate your writing, your spirit, your courage.
I understand what you are saying: but you are asking hundreds of congregations to move with no structure when this provides structure so within the very interest group you can they do all the things you want. rather than start from scratch. Not everyone is going to just walk like we did. This is for them.
You are more studied than I am (and perhaps this isn't the space for text dialogue), but Jesus wasn't working to reform the Temple structures and God knows they had structure upon structure, controlled duties as to who could do what, various sects, etc. I think the Temple institution of his day had corruption. He worked outside the institution. Yep the number of congregations and denominations are like battleships - hard to turn by brut force, and yet, the whole damn thing turns on a dime. Some feel there's an awakening underway - as the old song say, "brother, can you spare a dime". Thanks for your engagement. I promise to stop now.
Again. I agree. I have been talking the same thing for years. I offered my former colleagues a path. I offered to do a little work. They aren't the first folks that have harmed me whom I have helped. they wont be the last. Nothing to see here but a bit of decency.
I know from personal experience that it is hard to walk away. It is even harder to let go once you have walked away. By our very human nature we are so prone to grasping and clinging to things that are harmful. I understand, I get it. It took me years to let go of the church even after I had walked away. Liberation is neither easily won or embraced. It takes skillful effort, determination and trust. Keep going Lenny. You are finding your way out. 🙏🏾
One Church. All for it. So why limit this to an ELCA One Church? I've been a member of the American Baptist Church, the United Methodist Church, the ELCA and now Episcopalian. Following Jesus each step to a wider, more open theology. The plan proposed is still wrapped in an institution and I have zero faith in the current systems to build, or even reform, institutions. They are deeply racist, corrupt and out of step with Jesus. I'm a Christian who's stepped away from the institution on purpose.
This is in response to current happenings within the church. I walked away. Im offering a proposal. Im not rallying support. Just pointing out an obvious constitutional solution. Thats all.
Understood ... you are pointing to current happenings 'within the church' where I now see you mean to say 'within the ELCA church'. That splits the very idea of One Church. I'm advocating for the larger definition of One Church - it's all broken. Appreciate your writing, your spirit, your courage.
and thank you for you courage and honesty. I love it!!!
I understand what you are saying: but you are asking hundreds of congregations to move with no structure when this provides structure so within the very interest group you can they do all the things you want. rather than start from scratch. Not everyone is going to just walk like we did. This is for them.
You are more studied than I am (and perhaps this isn't the space for text dialogue), but Jesus wasn't working to reform the Temple structures and God knows they had structure upon structure, controlled duties as to who could do what, various sects, etc. I think the Temple institution of his day had corruption. He worked outside the institution. Yep the number of congregations and denominations are like battleships - hard to turn by brut force, and yet, the whole damn thing turns on a dime. Some feel there's an awakening underway - as the old song say, "brother, can you spare a dime". Thanks for your engagement. I promise to stop now.
Again. I agree. I have been talking the same thing for years. I offered my former colleagues a path. I offered to do a little work. They aren't the first folks that have harmed me whom I have helped. they wont be the last. Nothing to see here but a bit of decency.
I know from personal experience that it is hard to walk away. It is even harder to let go once you have walked away. By our very human nature we are so prone to grasping and clinging to things that are harmful. I understand, I get it. It took me years to let go of the church even after I had walked away. Liberation is neither easily won or embraced. It takes skillful effort, determination and trust. Keep going Lenny. You are finding your way out. 🙏🏾