We have also noted the decisions of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada and are dismayed by their unilateral declaration that ‘same-sex blessing is not core doctrine’. While we were grateful for the temporary restraint shown in not proceeding with any further authorization, we have observed that a number of the bishops are continuing to defy the recommendations of the Windsor process. We are exploring the possibility of additional pastoral provisions for those who want to remain faithful to Communion teaching and have been affected by the continuing actions of their own bishops.
I, and many others, share their dismay. It seems less and less likely that the 2008 Lambeth Conference will be a meeting of the whole communion.
Read it all here.
I'm surprised that most pastors/priests cope as well as they do in the circumstances they work in. I don't suspect they have clear job descriptions, any concrete goals/objectives and no set hours of work. And often no training in the "business" aspects of running a church. My experience is that there is no formal performance appraisal system either. It seems to me that reacting to situations becomes the norm.
ReplyDeleteThe obvious solution would seem to be more help, either clergy or lay. More clergy means more finances are needed. Lay people probably need to be trained which may also require finances. And so, since more often than not money is an issue, getting help is not as easy as it sounds. It would seem to me that what may need review is the overall model of how one does church. Sunday morning services are one thing, but how can one deal effectively with the needs of his or her parish for the other 6.5 days a week.
Two possibilities (not mine) may help. One is a small group program that allows the small groups to handle the more day to day ministry needs of the church members. The other is combining smaller churches to make larger ones with the clergy and lay leaders sharing the various responsibilities. I'm sure there are other solutions as well.
But the bottom line is that pastors and priests have to draw the line as to how much work they can humanly do in a day, week, month etc. A realistic line! I have nothing but admiration for the various clergy people I know for their dedication and hard work. I pray that all clergy are aware of and deal with their own personal wellness so that they can keep pace with their ministry demands, particularly in these difficult times.
DB