The serious and sometimes satirical reflections of a priest, poet, and pilgrim —
who knowing he has not obtained the goal, presses on in a Godward direction.
One problem with the Anglican Covenant Process is not so much that it is a case of closing the barn doors after the horses have bolted. Rather, it is like proposing to engage in a process to consider building a barn after the horses have bolted.
We have never had a barn. We don't need a barn. We have the field and hills before us, ripe for the galloping mission of God.
Tobias Stanislas Haller
“a clear-sighted companion.... If you are passionate about the vitality of today’s church, I encourage you to accompany him on his mystagogical excursion into the liturgical landscape. You will rediscover a familiar place rife with fresh provisions planted by the God who longs to feed our deepest hungers and hopes.” —Jay Koyle, chair, Faith, Worship and Ministry of The Anglican Church of Canada
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9 comments:
Succinctly and beautifully put!
Amen! (from the corner)
Yes, yes, and yes.
With the news from New Zealand, together with the recommendation from our Executive Council and the votes of several of our diocesan conventions, it seems pretty clear that the Anglican Covenant is dead (at least in its present form and for this round).
I didn't attend our diocesan convention last weekend (personal reasons, not any theological or political agenda!), but I understand that the A.C. did not come up on the floor. I'm told the general opinion was, "Why flog a dead horse?"
Brilliant!
Thanks, all. This came out of the last meeting of the Diocese of NY Task Force on the Covenant. Our report to our now postponed diocesan convention will show that there is no enthusiasm for the Covenant, some strong opposition, and as with Bill's diocese no resolution is proposed.
What exactly is "the barn" in your metaphor? Church structures? A shared ecclesiology? It's an amusing thought, I'll admit, but as soon as I pop one of these things in for "the barn" the whole concept sounds awfully silly.
In this case it references "The Anglican Covenant" -- which I read as an effort to enforce uniformity across the Communion on matters where it is apparent no common mind across the communion exists. If anything is "silly" it is a misguided effort to impose uniformity where there is already diversity well established.
Brilliant metaphor, brilliantly expressed, Tobias! You have such a knack of summing up the situation in one or two pithy sentences which I really admire.
I have taken the liberty of quoting it in its entirety on my current blog post, 'Countdown to the Chains of the Anglican Covenant'- I hope you don't mind.
Thanks, Laura. Pleased and honored.
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