Church - Reasons to be fearful (Part one)

It seems to me that 'the Church' is an entity that swings from media frenzy to

In case you have missed it, the Church of England's 'General Synod' will apparently be voting on women bishops today.

There are three voting groups: bishops, clergy and laity and, apparently it is a done deal in the first two! Only the house of the laity (the 'ordinary' members) are uncertain when it comes to the vote and it is them who will carry the day for one of the two camps.

A quick sound bite very early this morning (or was it extremely late last night?) from a woman who will be voting today went like this:

"It is all about equality and the church has been poorer because it has not embraced the same degree of equality that has seen this nation governed by a woman. "

Another voice put forward the idea that,

"The church is bending over backwards to try and please everyone and the cry (from those who want women bishops) is for the church to draw a line and make the 'right' decision regardless of the response of those who oppose it!"

Interestingly, this is the same cry from those who wish to change the church's attitude to sexual issues too and this (for me) is the source of more concern than the actual issue/s themselves. Make the changes that give me what I want and those who oppose are mysogynists, homophobes (and any other ad hominem I can think of ) and by virtue of that should be forced out!

Since when has the message of the Gospel been: Capitulate or Clear Off?

Now I have to be honest and say that having read quite widely and discussed the issue with those for, against and confused I don't really see what the problem is and am neither convinced by many of the arguments for nor drawn in by those who oppose.

I struggle with those who would deny the right for people to believe, as the church has for many centuries, and relate to certain theological understanding of ministry and therefore, by this denial, remove any potential for a coexistence by offering 'alternative oversight'.

I struggle with those who seem to forget that Church is about Bible, not current social conventions or practice.

I struggle with those who would seek to restrict, or deny, anyone the right to practice and engage in any 'calling' from God on personal preference and wrong attitude.

I am sorry but anyone who wants us to 'do' women bishops because it is 'good PR' is stupid in the extreme. Those who want us to be 'popular' should realise that this isn't really what is on offer. There are two real potential outcomes:

1. Some in the world, seeing a decision they dislike will vilify the Church, just as they did before, and will continue to do by means of the next issue, and the many more behind - because they will only oppose it until it no longer exists as a force to oppose their own selfish aims and lifestyles!

2. A response that parallels the views and standards of the world in terms of 'equality' will not advance the reputation, ministry or evangelistic opportunities. In fact it will result in there being one less issue to engage over and oppose. In the end what will be left is a passive ignoring of a passive and impotent body.

So how do I want the vote to go today?

With an eye to Biblical authority and and ear to the voice of God and in step with His heartbeat; lovingly seeking to find a way by which all can coexist with justice, humility and love at the fore.

With a view to maintaining the Church of England as a Bible-believing, Spirit-filled, orthodox Christian church and with regard to the attitudes, traditions and needs of the worldwide communion too.

This is not a 'being right' issue - it is a being righteous issue.

Pax