And that which I was afraid of is come unto me. Job 3:25.
What do Anglican Church of Canada clergy fear most? Losing their stipend.
General Synod 2016 has begun and a vote to change the marriage canon is scheduled for Monday. In the unlikely event it passes, the few remaining conservatives will have yet more incentive to leave. If it fails to pass, many dioceses are determined to proceed with same-sex marriages without the approval of synod. For the national church this would be ideal, since it accomplishes what their leaders want while allowing them to protest that no official approval has been granted. Either result signals further division resulting in more people leaving and less revenue for clergy salaries; a tragedy of biblical proportions. That which the bishops fear most is about to come upon them.
Hence, hot off the press from the synod ostrich farm, we have the quote of the day:
Isn’t there a shortage of clergy? The progressives can do what they want without fear of losing their stipend no matter how many people they drive away because there will always be jobs for minimally competent clergy. And if they can force conservative congregations out, they are even better off as there is the prospect of grabbing the assets to ensure no progressive clergy man or women need ever go without comfort.
I don’t have the numbers at hand at the moment, but I believe that the ratio of clergy to laity has been steady rising for the last 50 years or so.
Additionally, conservative Christians are more inclined than liberals to take tithing seriously, so their departure would leave a significant gap in givings.
I agree, though, that there has been a strategy to drive out conservatives and seize their assets – and that might be enough to keep the present batch of ACoC clerics in fresh dog collars for a while. It isn’t – to borrow a liberal cliche – a sustainable approach, though.
As a 67 year old, who is ordained, what I fear most is having to change my denomination. I have held on the the slender hope that a majority of the Bishops will vote no to change. It has to be a 2/3’s vote against, for it to be a clear no. I also am hoping Archbishop Hiltz conducts this meeting strictly, in a business like fashion. Some debate, then call the vote. So, I admit, I fear change, when it is myself who has to change. I fear making a transition. But, I am at the point where being a Christian is more important than being an Anglican. Thus, Anglicanism has become like an old sweater. I am comfortable with what I am familiar with. I admit, I fear obeying the voice which says, “Come, follow me”.
I stumbled across your blog looking for some synod news that was not the official line. Refreshing: thank you.
As a ‘conservative’ Anglican – certainly by ACoC standards – I’ve been watching the political and communications strategy playing out not with surprise, but certainly a plateau of disappointment. It’s apparent that even a ‘no’ vote from the house of bishops will only delay the inevitable, and that hostility towards those traditional parishes, priests and individuals will continue to escalate.
I have a friend who is fond of saying, “God is not cynical,” but as a human being it sure is hard not to be.
BTW, I think you’re right about the giving habits of the laity… that’s why the selling of church buildings has become such a sad boon for the diocesan pension funds ):