Talking best way to sort Church troubles
THE recent letter from 232 Presbyterian elders and ministers (News, July 6) makes reference to the pain and anguish felt in response to the decisions taken at our General Assembly.
I hope that this letter does not give the impression that only those 232 elders and ministers care about people’s pain.
The day-to-day pastoral work of ministers and elders involves caring for many people going through the pains of sudden illness, suicide, adultery, addiction, the death of a child, the breakdown of relationships and many other sorrows, including the many complex issues surrounding samesex attraction and Christian discipleship.
I would hope that anyone who is aggrieved, concerned, or angry about the decisions of our Church would be able to go to their elder, or minister, and find a listening, compassionate ear and warm words that lead people closer to Christ — and to one another.
Such face-to-face conversations are the best way to deal with troubles and build bridges, and I hope that the signatories of the letter will be spending more time on such essential conversations within the Church than on public statements to the media.
The letter itself does little to help such conversations, as it contains no detail that would shed light on people’s concerns and does not engage at all with the great deal that has been written and said already in our subordinate standards, the Code, existing pastoral guidelines, council reports and discussions at the Assembly.
It is a shame that the letter does not engage with the existing conversation, but I hope the signatories will take part in further opportunities in their congregations and presbyteries, the councils and committees of the Church and the General Assembly itself.
The letter raised many questions that require such conversation.
So far, the signatories of the letter have reportedly declined to answer questions.
I hope they will change their minds and enter into conversation with the wider Church with a willingness to explain their concerns, but also to listen themselves.
REV JONATHAN BOYD Minister, Hyde Park and Lylehill Presbyterian Church
Co Antrim
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