Province II is the smallest province geographically, but third in terms of congregations and clergy. That's a result of our history.
Perceived leadership and lack thereof are critical issues for church. One year ago we were dealing with Bishop Johnson's suicide and Ellen Cooke's embezzlement. These resulted in scape-goating. Who's fault is it? Who is to blame? When things go wrong, it must be the leaders' fault.
There is a big difference between accountability and scape-goating. We must find healthier ways to deal with anger and anxiety. The pace of change is accelerating. Complaining to Moses about the food does not help us to get to the promised land. The embezzlement has taught us to value checks and balances, safe- guard and audits. It has served as a wakeup call to many dioceses and parishes around the country regarding their own accounting practices.
Sexual immorality is more complicated. Healing is more difficult. The Diocese of Massachusetts is still struggling. Bishop Chalfant's confession creating problems for Maine.
In the past, secrecy prevailed. Now these matters are public knowledge. We don't pretend that leaders live by a different standard any more. We hold people accountable for their behavior. We are a community of reconciliation that values truth, humility and repentance. This is new behavior for us as a church, and it is difficult for us.
The Righter Presentment is also a test of community. The Court will announce the results of the preliminary hearing next week. The role and place of our bishops is under fire. Some bishops are trying to force the bishops to act independently through the trial process.
We live in a secular society which distrusts leadership and values materialism. Every institution must respond to changing circumstances if it is to survive.
The 1991 General Convention called for structural analysis and reform. New proposals came to 1994 General Convention. The Shaping our Future Conference also considered structural reform. We do not yet have a consensus. The major resolution regarding structure failed in 1994. Work continues. We will certainly be moving away from a centralized bureaucracy toward a network of ministries.
What will we expect of provinces in a network model? The province is a relatively new invention - 1913. Provinces have been slow to develop. Today's vitality is a recent phenomena. We are ambivalent about subdividing the church. We fear creating separate geographic churches. The vitality of provinces depends on the enthusiasm of key individuals, rather than canonical spirit.
In 1973 General Convention determined that each Province would elect two representatives to the Executive Council. Provinces are also central in electing Presiding Bishop. Until 1979, President of the Province was always a bishop. The role of the province is one of information sharing and coordination of programming.
In 1994, the Administration of funds for certain programs was shifted to the Province.
Internet communication increasingly important. The Convocation of American Churches in Europe is now on Quest. Major issues in 1997 will be the Concordat with the Lutherans and the Election of a Presiding Bishop. We are struggling to discover what kind of church we are supposed to be as we approach the third millennium. It is tempting to look for an ecclesiastical Lee Iacocca. Would we trust such a person? To share a future, we must share a history. (Fenhagen) We live in a world that has lost touch with its story. A world of rootless people who have no tradition that inspires compassion and hope. We are called to be keepers of the flame. We must let ourselves be seized by the good news of Jesus Christ. We must hold a beacon of faithfulness, hope, accountability, forgiveness, reconciliation. Structure and finances will follow.
Church leaders must see themselves as vision bearers, not problem solvers. (Davies) We must let God's agenda to take control of our vision. We don't need to lots of resolutions. We need a lot of love, prayer and conversation. Let's be a community of grace, confident that God will work through us.
This is God's church, not ours. We have an important role to play. But the survival of the church is not in our hands. The salvation of the world is already be implemented. Jesus has already been raised from the dead. All we need to say is, "Alleluia!"
Recorded by S. Lane