Over on "Stand Firm" a radically, 'orthodox' blog, the imminent closing of Church of the Mediator on Chicago's South Side was reported. The poster, one Jackie Bruchi, one of the few holy enough to initiate threads on that blog, comments that the diocese of Chicago has a fairly large number of its members on national boards and commissions while South Carolina has almost no representation. This suggests because of a choice by the national church to choose declining diocese' rather than growing diocese' leadership.
No one is less happy about the closing than I. My wife and I will be in the congregation Sunday for the closing service. The supply priest charged with the last mass is a dear friend. We will sing the last hymns, hear the last sermon, and make sure the few remaining parishioners know there are other places for them.
Then we will return to our growing, horribly liberal parish where there is great excitement as the vestry considers the calling of a new rector. We are next door (town wise) to one of the most conservative parishes and it is growing too. We wish them well. If one discounts Church of the Resurrection which folded itself to become a member of Anglicans Missing in Action (AMIA) Chicago continues to grow albeit no one would argue we do not need a lot higher rate of growth.
So, if we accept Ms. Bruchi's claim that Chicago is much more visible in the national church than South Carolina, and I am sure she is correct, it is fair to ask why.
Now her implicit suggestion is that the national church does not want growth or at least no conservative growth. In her (rather a bit paranoid I fear) world, South Carolina is being ignored. I wonder if she knows of any leader in S.C. who has put themselves forward for a job lately? My observation is that the self-styled, 'orthodox' are too busy in their various schism planning organizations to bother with the national church. Besides as we are all, 'apostate' (a word they think means 'inclusive') they don't really want to see the church succeed. So, I am inclined to think we are seeing self-selection away from national work.
Reading Dr. Harmon's writings from S. C. I cannot imagine why anyone in the diocese would think of national work. I am not sure as I read him if the evil one is Satan or PBp Jefferts Shori. In fact, I would be inclined to think Satan is a bit player in evil reading what one sees on Stand Firm.
So in Ms. Bruchi's little note, I see the ongoing rush to victim status. The 'orthodox' (they aren't ask any Greek priest) are being 'forced' out by the bad evil liberals. Now some of us, me among them, are evil. But forcing anyone out? Never. What we are doing is saying that we wont hand over control.
Conflating 'we wont give up' to 'persecution' takes some amazing mental gymnastics, but alas as this post has demonstrated, the gymnasts appear to be available.
FWIW
jimB
Here is the link to the post on Stand Firm.
Click here
*******************Update***********************
I am honored to be asked to provide some of the music for the last mass at Church of the Mediator. Mi'lady and I shall be there with my love-of-life Sue-z. Pray for us, and most especially for the loyal members of the parish who are seeing it to its end.
{Rom bards name their instruments. Mi'lady is a 6 string, Ozark mountain dulcimer. She and I have been together a long time and we make music with love if not virtuosity. I fear my hands are too neuropathic for me to finger pick her as she deserves but I do my best flat picking her. When I die, she will become my grand daughter's. Jamie loves Mi'lady as much as I do.}
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Update
We went. A tearful, joyful service. The last baptism in the history of the congregation welcomed Sophia into the body of Christ's kingdom. The service and the congregation were both celebratory, praising God for 129 years, and sad that this parish's path has ended.
Pray for the people of Church of the Mediator who must now find new communities. May they be blessed and be blessings to the parishes they move on to now.
FWIW
jimB
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5 comments:
Dear Jim,
Thank you for noticing my post on Stand Firm. You seem a bit confused about the post so I thought I would point out to you that my post simply reposted an article from The Chicago-Sun Times. My sole comment on the entire article is the headline. I believe it to be a tragedy whenever any place where God's name was once praised closes its doors.
The comment which so offended you was made by one of the most lovely ladies to be found in the Episcopal Church. Can't remember ever reading a harsh word from Jill and consider her a true inspiration. She runs a prayer blog that offers worship and prayer support.
Prayers for a blessed Christmas season to you and yours.
Jackie Bruchi
Ms. Bruchi
Mea Culpea, Mea Culpea, Mea Maxima Culpea!
I did not realize you were posting an article. I should have and I do appologize. If you wish feel free to note the apology on Stand Firm.
FWIW
jimB
Rev. Jim - Your apology is gracious and it is with humility I accept it knowing that some of my other posts you may have missed more than likely fell on the other side of your theology. Please know that if they do, they were not written with the intent to harm but to bring more light to the table.
I hope that one day this great divide that has rent our beloved Communion asunder will be healed. Until that day know there are many on my side of the divide holding those on your side in prayer.
Your sister in Christ,
Jackie Bruchi
I do not want to have any false status standing, Ms. B. I am not a "rev." I am a former postulant for priesthood and a former deacon in another communion. But these days, just plain 'Jim' is where I live. :-)
I certainly hope and pray we can put most of this unpleasant time behind us. I have despaired of avoiding some additional splitting at this point. I am afraid I see GAFCON as a divisive move that cannot but add to the splitting.
FWIW
jimB
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