n e w c h u r c h l i f e : j u ly / au g u s t 2 0 1 3
CLERGY MEETINGS IN BRYN ATHYN
The question of ordaining women was considered at the regional clergy
meetings held in Bryn Athyn in June, attended by more than 30 ministers.
Three major papers on the subject were presented by the Revs. Chuck Blair,
Bruce Rogers and Jeremy Simons. The matter was discussed in depth over
three days, including references to a paper on the subject by Shada (Mrs. Andy)
Sullivan, which was distributed to Council of the Clergy members before the
meetings.
There was a palpable sphere of charity and mutual respect throughout the
meetings, and it was evident that all who spoke were motivated by a deep love
of the Church and a desire for its welfare. No vote was taken; the Council is a
deliberative body, not executive.
There were also other interesting papers and topics, including: Regeneration
and Purification by the Rev. Kurt Hy. Asplundh; The Lord’s Mental Development
in the Human by the Rev. Grant Odhner; Spiritual Practice by the Rev. Erik
Buss; Heavenly Communities and Congregations on Earth by the Rev. Eric
Carswell; and the meaning of the phrase, The Son of Man, by the Rev. Stephen
Cole. More on these papers, we hope, in future issues. (The paper by Bruce
Rogers will be published in the September-October issue of New Church Life.)
(WEO)
A MEMORABLE LINE FROM THE CLERGY MEETINGS
Speaking of timeless truths, here is one from the paper by Bruce Rogers:
“The mission of the Church is to transform the world, not be transformed
by the world.”
(WEO)
THE NEW CHURCH LIFE TEAM
I have always loved being part of a team – in sports, in my career, in marriage
and family, in all aspects of life. Each issue of New Church Life is put together
by a dedicated team largely unknown and unheralded, and I am privileged
to be a part of it. These team members are extremely conscientious – some
are volunteers – and devoted to producing a quality publication every other
month. They love serving the use and look for no credit. This is just a token of
my unbounded affection and appreciation for their contributions to the team:
The Rev. Walter E. Orthwein, our “Spiritual Editor” – an Bג7