After the Vote in Synod on Women Bishops

Process

I found listening to the synodical process of 'for' and 'against' speakers, via the audio live stream, fairly unbearable. The emotive speech used by a majority of speakers was too adversarial for my liking. Yes, it's an emotive topic and expressing longing and desire is appropriate, but when, by inference, the metaphors and analogies deployed become an opportunity to put down an opposite view, then we move out of dialogue and into a fight.

Houses and Majorities

It's not unusual to require a two-thirds majority on voting in all sorts of environments. It is unusual to give equal weighting to laity, clergy and bishops and that's a very intriguing way in which there is a taste of equality in the church, ironically.

Disappointment

This goes without saying for those of us whose sense of impatience and despair at the slowness on this topic is difficult to express. Simply sorrowing and mourning are better than any words for me.

Inequalities and the Church

1. As discussed in my last post, there are many inequalities in the CofE and in the wider church. In terms of CofE deacons, priests and bishops these inequalities relate to disability, gender, race, nationality and ethnicity, sexuality (and although less obvious to age, class, wealth, education and intellect). That's for the ordained.
2. I am also exercised by how the church treats and has treated many marginal groups; the largest issue for me personally (and perhaps the largest marginalized group numerically) is children.
3. Then as an eco-liberationist I have a very very very long list of concerns about all that the Church has not come up to the mark on about environmental degradation and the tipping points we face in relation to global warming.
4. Then there's the too-loud-a-silence on the consequences of war and support for the instruments of war that lead to shockingly long term inequalities.
5. Finally there's the legacy of Church within Commonwealth in terms of the part the CofE has played in the permanent destruction of indigenous identities and even peoples too, which need not just apology and the seeking of forgiveness but a long-term approach to reparation for damage done.

Provocation into Action

Too many of those of us who campaign on a variety of issues quickly get burned out by the pain of circumstances beyond our control. Widening our circle of influence (see Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) and using Non-Violent Communication (see Marshall Rosenberg) are the principles I'm seeking to deploy in relation to the many topics that trouble me about the Church, today's included. I pray for empowerment for all those who seek to address the inequalities perpetuated, condoned or ignored by the Church.

As for Tomorrow

The bishops of the CofE have an emergency meeting at 0830h on Wednesday 21st November 2012. I'm praying for some immediate progress amongst that gathering.