Of Pomp and Circumstance + How to move forward?

[Karen Ward]

 

A very hard to read article from the Guardian UK newspaper.

It stings, but it found in it a real call to ponder church renewal and how the way of Jesus can in become more incarnate for people via the church.

Ours is a rich spiritual tradition. It is our challenge in the postmodern era to help crack open this spiritual treasure and make it available to all, and not for to be seen as just a snooty bunch, unaware of the view that many have of us having our collective heads in the sand, but as a tradition with a deep spiritual heritage that can still find ways to cure souls even today by assisting people to see the wonder of God all around us, and in each soul, beyond social class, and power.

In North America we need to learn how to also be a church for folk out beyond the upper middle class comfort zone.

I call my self an emergent Anglo Catholic, as I still very inspired by the early slum priest heritage, where liturgical beauty and seeing beauty in every day life and every day people is very connected. This is an emergence priority in my view. Helping our culture find beauty the world and in each person.

 

Comments on the Guardian article are welcome?

[Elisabeth Dewey]

     Inasmuch as believers are charged to treat the poor with as much respect as the rich, the position of the Guardian may be moot.  I personally know Episcopalians who treat the poor with Christian respect.  And we must remember that Christ our Lord chose to own very little - (in spite of owning everything!).

     We have nothing for which to be ashamed in the Anglican Church affiliation with the British Monarchy. It is thoroughly American to prefer democracies, but the Kingdom of Heaven is a kingdom ruled by its highest King.  This we believe as we believe the Bible is true, right? 

     I don't believe the Anglican church is classist or prefers rich over poor.  I believe it has the capacity to serve both and dishonor neither.  Perhaps it is much ado about nothing.