“This is magnificent,” an American visitor whispers to his Toronto host. Then adds, “Of course, this is an Anglican town.”
Was he hallucinating? No. In 1963, it was. Then there were enough Anglicans in Toronto to host the largest world conference that denomination ever held ”“ with delegates from five continents.
Why in 2010 is all that unthinkable? Instead of sponsoring that kind of mega-event, why do Anglican leaders in Toronto have to cope with a report recommending the closing of 15 once thriving parish churches.
What has happened in the past 50 years to produce this decline? Are Anglicans finding “godlessness” a better option? Have they lost all confidence in their bishops and clergy? Are they flocking to other religions?
Yes, but the very last sentence of the article is the kicker.
What happens for a church that has come not to believe in it, at least not really?
I like this line, ” Are Anglicans finding “godlessness†a better option? Have they lost all confidence in their bishops and clergy? Are they flocking to other religions?” The answer in many, many cases is yes, YES, and yes. Alas. But to give those people their due, they just find what’s being presented to them is literally unbelievable because what’s being presented is amateurish rubbish.
Not to downplay any deeper theological issues, but sports needs to be more fully considered as a player in separating youth and parents from church and the Gospel. That may be especially true in Canada where youth hockey with its practice times and tournaments is ubiquitous. In the United States several sports, including hockey, share the role in our new idolatry.
“lost all confidence in their bishops and clergy”
Everything I’ve read about church history suggests that there have always been lots and lots and lots of lousy bishops and priests. What’s changed is partly cultural. Empowered people, including religious lay people, no longer feel the need to give authority to people simply because they’re above them in a hierarchical structure.