I’m not sure which of my colleagues from the largest congregations will be attending, nor do I know the agenda. The email described the gathering with these words: “The idea behind this gathering stems from the realization that you, as the pastor of one of the largest congregations, have a unique view on the needs and possibilities of the Church at this time. The hope is that this is not simply a one-time experience, but the beginning of further discussions, in whatever form they take. The reason for the timing of the gathering is intentional, as there may be issues that have emerged from the Lambeth Conference that could be of relevance in our discussions. “
More and more dialogue. Part of the listening process.
Is there a list of which rectors were invited?
Does anybody know if Steve Wood is a Christian? If he is, maybe he can tell these folks that they “need” a savior, and make them aware of the “possibility” of salvation by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. He won’t be invited back to the next soiree, but he might introduce somebody to Jesus.
Expensive real estate needs to be guarded, that’s all.
There is no doubt that Steve Wood is a Christian and a bold one to boot….no doubt about that…
What is really behind this meeting is the question? I guess Steve was curious enough to go….
nwlayman, you nailed it — thanks!!
“Come into my parlor”, said the spider.
The remainig “large” parishes would be justly accurate, but that’s too much reality for certain poobahs at 815, I suppose.
More elitism from TEC leadership. How about: “As rectors of small to middle sized parishes struggling to make financial ends meet and evangelize your communities you have a unique view of the challenges and possibilities…”
Yeah:
1. Quit taking 25% of my operating budget to fund Diocesan and National Offices.
2. Quit traveling throughout the world drawing attention to our “unique” polity, baptismal covenant, and heretical bishops.
3. Return to preaching the Gospel of Christ not the Gospel of the UN.
That would be unique.