Posted by rjklancko
on 10/12/2009, 3:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Fr. Herbel Returned to OCA; Fargo AOCNA Mission Parish Disbands"
the main question to be debated is how do we look to the outside world -- if we all are to be examples of what it enatils to be Christian - what do these situations do to erode our credibility? With the American generation X and generation Y, there is no ethnic allegiance and great skepticism rergarding those who call themselves Christian and then act in unChristian ways. These crises will not win us any adherants and I fear are not winning us any kudos in heanvens above.
There are clear definitions as to what is right and what is wrong - and none of us regarding of our jobs can hide behind rank or titles - we do not lie, we do not foster crimes, we need to act as role models, we need to be fair, compassionate yet need to honest and support the correct and not the incorrect.
What many young people have said to me is that they have great trepedition regarding hierarchal churches and those lead by ethnics who do not understand American culture, and those lead by celibates who live cloistered lives and do understand secular lives. Now how do we rebuild our bridges with these bretheren?
It must be remembered that we cannot exist as ethnic enclaves remaining stagnant through immigration ( which the studies are indicating).
If we cannot retain our youth - our best, our smartest, our most intelligent, and if we cannot grow through conversions ( not the many of our typicals who love long hair, beards, and prayer ropes - the sect groupies) - converts who are solid mainstream adherents - then in 25 years many of our churches will be museums.
It is truly time for a SWAT Analysis - if we do not meet the challenge and realize the obvious - we will go the way of the Shakers here in the USA.
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