That\u2019s 16 churches out of total of 35, or 45%.<\/p>\n
I think it\u2019s fair to conclude that an organisation that closes 45% of its outlets is tottering on the brink of extinction.<\/p>\n
Any business in this position would do the decent thing, declare bankruptcy and try something different. Not so in the Anglican Church of Canada: even though it uses business euphemisms \u2013 churches are rationalised<\/em> rather than closed – its mouldering corpse continues to be propped up by bequests from dead Anglicans and the sale of buildings belonging to ejected congregations.<\/p>\n This excerpt is a rather sad testimony to the inevitable consequence of clergy promoting a parochial culture of loyalty to a denomination and building rather than to God:<\/p>\n According to a\u00a0clergyperson within the deanery, who requested anonymity, the problem is exacerbated by an unwillingness among some parishioners to drive to a different congregation if their church is closed.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n From here<\/a>:<\/p>\n The Muskoka region in the diocese of Algoma is famous for its idyllic lakes, rocky shorelines, and\u2014in Anglican circles\u2014its rich history of missionary activity by the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE).<\/p>\n But following years of declining membership and ongoing disagreement among its clergy about how best to adjust to shifting patterns of religious affiliation and church attendance, the bishop and the diocesan executive committee have approved a set of recommendations for reorganization that, if adopted, will lead to the shuttering of 16 of the deanery\u2019s 35 churches.<\/p>\n [\u2026..]<\/p>\n Andrews said he did not believe the financial situation in Muskoka to be significantly different from that faced in other parts of the church, and stressed that the reorganization is more about ensuring that full-time ministry be maintained in as many places as possible.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" That\u2019s 16 churches out of total of 35, or 45%. I think it\u2019s fair to conclude that an organisation that closes 45% of its outlets is tottering on the brink of extinction. Any business in this position would do the … Continue reading