How to Kill Your Church

Many of the current denominations we call, "Mainline" began as strong, vibrant centers of faith and spiritual outreach. In the history of this nation we have seen only two instances of tax supported, state churches. In Colonial times both the Episcopal and Congregational denominations were blessed by the government and supported by taxes. They were the largest and most influential groups in America at that time. Now, however, neither is strong or growing. Why?

Perhaps this news story from Truro Episcopal Church in Virginia will help explain how to kill your church and/or denomination.

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The Connecticut 6

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Darien, Connecticut is the church where Angela and I found a spiritual home when we moved from England almost 38 years ago. It was a loving community where Jesus Christ was honored. It also was one of the early pioneers in the Charismatic movement and in many ways was a sister church to Truro in the early days of the Renewal movement. It is no exaggeration to say that it changed our lives and was the community that helped us discern our call to ordained ministry.

Today, St. Paul's, together with five other Episcopal Churches of the Diocese of Connecticut, is in the middle of a crisis. Their bishop, Andrew Smith, has declared that their clergy will be inhibited and deposed because they have .abandoned the Communion?in other words, forced out. He has threatened to make this action final on April 15!

This decision was taken during a closed meeting of the Diocesan Standing Committee at which the only presentation came from the bishop. In other words, they were tried, convicted, and sentenced with no opportunity to speak for themselves. They have not even been notified as to the specific actions that have triggered this punitive response. What is even more astonishing is that the charge of abandonment of communion is intended to be disciplinary action for clergy who have made an open renunciation of the Doctrine, Discipline, or Worship of this Church; when in truth, all six churches are conservative parishes who have stood for the faith in an increasingly revisionist diocese.

For more on the story go to:

http://www.trurochurch.org/content.asp?contentid=577