The Flaw Of Any Hierarchic Structure
Indeed, once on the line of soaring the ecclesiastical ladder - and
acquiring from it the appendages of vain titles! - then the cost
required is to be a ‘man pleaser’ rather than a true prophet for God ,
and believe me, it can become so very easy to fall in to such a
satanic trap. Yes, and such a trap for vanity is not confined to
Anglicanism with its list of clerical appendages to be placed before
one’s name; but it is equally to be avoided in a less theatrical Non
Conformity where letters after ones name are equally so vainly
appended; and perhaps more so in America! What is more, prominence
given to a preacher often far surpasses that given to an average
rector or humble parish priest.
I’ve been in so-called Holy
Orders long enough to see how young clerics grovel to appease older
clerics in a desire to climb the ladder of hierarchic structure. So
many will sell their soul for it; and nowhere is this more obvious
than in Diocesan Synods when the vacancy for a new bishop is in the
pipe line. Those who opposed women being ordained were the least to
verse their views; whereas those who were for it, made it abundantly
clear for all to hear. Indeed, today, knowing the force of minority
groups - as well as the general indifference of the silent majority –
results in such promotion seekers pushing vocally for what ever
minority group makes its presence the most felt. Today, it’s for women
as bishops; tomorrow it’ll be for transvestites as such. The year
after it’ll no doubt be for transgenders!.
Yes, Doreen and I
have witnessed first hand how so many such clergy would wait to see
how most of the laity would vote by a show of hands; and then they, as
clergy, would vote in full agreement. The fact that prayer and a hymn
for the guidance of the Holy Spirit had preceded the time to vote was
neither here nor there. Indeed, much more could be said about such
meetings of top importance to the Denomination; space, however, does
not allow. Enough to say that those voted in to lead are – with rare
and notable exceptions - woolly wafflers or spineless specimens.
Indeed, having excelled in diplomacy to a high degree, and having
sought to avoid confrontation at all costs, they can no more break
away from the mould which now has solidified and encased them than can
a leper change its spots. Consequently, the outcome is that, by far,
the most of those with positions of top influence in a churches
hierarchic structure become the least helpful or wise to lead or
advise.
Indeed. though I personally prefer Anglicanism for its
ritual and musical settings, I much prefer the Presbyterian form of
Church government where all clergy are of equal status; lay presbyters
are there to assist, and the congregation has say as to whom they wish
to call as their spiritual leader and pastor. However, you don’t have
to agree with me here. ‘I’m not infallible on faith and morals!’
I’m simply an individual with a vision, and much prefer to fulfil what
God has laid upon my heart to fulfil. Yes, rather than be a mere
‘transactor’ for what any local committee has decided to do via
meetings of much compromise. I have seldom ever been a committee
advocate!.
Indeed, while committees seek to come to a
compromise amongst members who may each have a unique slant on a
subject raised for drawn out discussion, I act upon the matter most
pressing to one’s heart. To my mind, little ‘truly great’ has ever
transpired via committees. Well, at least certainly not in comparison
with what has transpired by lone and solitary individuals equipped
with a burning calling from God! Yes, and this relates to the animal
welfare world as much as it does to any church enterprise. Think of
the likes of a Pastor Albert Schweitzer, a Nurse Edith Cavell, a
Gladys Ayleward, a Mother Theresa, a Dr Barnardo, a C.T. Studd,
a Father Mario Borrelli or even for that matter a Monsignor Bruce
Kent! The list is, indeed, endless – history repeats itself! - and so
many had been rejected by committees or, well and truly, ‘pulled over
the coals’ by their ‘assumed’ spiritual superiors.
Go on to
On Mother’s Day, Love expressed as from
Heinz (a grateful hound)
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