Today I had lunch with an elderly woman from the church who hasn't been coming lately. She revealed that she didn't want everyone to know about the crisis her family has been experiencing. She was fearful of gossip and being judged. If we are really being "the church", then gossip and judgment shouldn't be part of her worry. It made me realize how much "the church" has strayed in its purpose--to teach, heal and have fellowship. How could this woman possibly experience "the church" if she was afraid?
Or when I think about the future of our diocese (specifically the question of whether or not we can afford a bishop, and if not, then what), watching people become fearful and anxious about the unknown is distressing to me. I wish there was some way to alleviate their fears...something beyond the simple words that God is watching over us and will guide us into a new way of being. I mean, isn't that what faith is supposed to be all about? And what about those within our diocese who are wondering if they look good in purple...shouldn't they be doing more honest and careful discernment instead of just trying to be the Savior and Redeemer of our diocese?
My point is this...when we strive for bringing about the Kingdom of God, a place of true perfection (understand that as wholeness, without anxiety or fear) and Shalom, then shouldn't we be putting more of our energy into teaching, preaching, healing, and creating opportunities for breaking bread together? Shouldn't we be working to make a place welcoming to the elderly, the widow and the orphaned? Shouldn't we be out in our communities feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and giving shelter to those who are cold? Why instead are we getting wrapped up in "politics" of the church? How does that make us "one"?
The skeptic and cynical would say that's exactly the problem with organized religion...that we are too busy fretting over church politics. And yes, that may be true...the politics of the church are a human institution. But I just wish we could find a way to more truly be a gospel people.