only a place in the world, but incredible value to the Lord’s Kingdom. What
an extremely loving God this portrays! With all the hate, war and pain going
around, the world is in dire need of hearing this message of a loving God.
What many in my generation have expressed to me countless times is that they
cannot fathom that this variety does not extend into the culture and hierarchy
of the General Church.
I am often the outsider and many times feel judged among my peers for
being involved in the Church. Hearing, “I just can’t be a part of something so
archaic,” is what I endure on a weekly basis. It is becoming increasingly rare
to hear the General Church or the Academy talked about in a positive light.
When either come up in conversation it’s almost always centered around how
hurtful or unjust the organizations are and have been to them.
This is the message that many in my generation are sending out to those
around them. This is the message being heard by individuals and groups not
connected with the Church. This is how many who are learning for the first
time what the General Church has to offer are being exposed to – with firsthand negativity.
And if the number-one way people are brought into a church is through
personal invitation, imagine what this negative message they’re hearing about
the General Church is doing.
Thank you for taking the time to read and hear these thoughts. I welcome
questions or conversation about this.
Michelle Chapin
Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania
[email protected]
Editor’s note: Michelle was invited to meet with Bishop Peter Buss Jr. in response to this
letter and is in on-going dialogue with him. She is still collecting opinions, thoughts and
insights about the policy – for or against – from young adults in any way connected with
the Church.
Dear Bishops Keith and Buss:
Please allow me to thank you for reading my words, and those of many
others as we absorb the communication released by your office on September
26. I know this is not an easy job, and I am grateful for your kind attention.
Your decision regarding women’s ordination was not a great surprise to
me, but I am disappointed. From my own careful study of the doctrine, I am
convinced that the male-only policy is unjustified. I am weary and saddened.
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