the Word. If we are, we are led by the Lord. We should let the Word of the
Writings speak with authority.
Report of the Executive Bishop. Bishop Keith
affirmed his enjoyment of his job while acknowledging the
difficulties which are a challenge in all jobs. He said there
was lots of pain in cutting the budget, because this means
we give up a lot in both uses and personnel. Our budget is
half what it was five years ago.
Bishop Keith asked for feedback in several areas,
including the episcopal newsletters to the clergy and
the value of having General Assemblies. He asked if
any congregation would like to sponsor an Assembly,
Bishop Keith affirmed
presumably on a university campus. One respondent noted
his enjoyment of his job
that 2020 will be the 250th anniversary of the Lord’s sending
while acknowledging the
difficulties which are a
out His disciples, as described in True Christian Religion.
challenge in all jobs
Another suggested that regional assemblies make more
sense nowadays than international assemblies. Yet another pointed out that
most organizations have large-scale conventions, and that without them, the
organization suffers.
Discussion of a paper by Bishop Keith: “Once a Minister Always a
Minister? Or Inaugurations and Separations from the Priesthood.”
Bishop Keith said some of the difficult situations that, in providence,
had been thrust upon him in his first year got him thinking about what
ordination means. While the enlightenment given to a priest is from the Lord,
inauguration into the priesthood is a recognition that a man is suited to the
priestly office in the church organization. Where there is disorder, does a man’s
ability to represent the Lord go away? What are the implications for the church
organization, and for the bishop who must respond to such disorders within
the priesthood from time to time?
In discussion it was pointed out that ordination is from the Lord, but
disorder can be cause for ceasing to recognize a man as a priest within the
Church. Another speaker encouraged us to extend the connection between
ordination and the office served such that when a priest ceases to serve in the
office of one or another degree of the priesthood, he also ceases to use the
stole associated with that degree. However this sentiment did not garner broad
support. Yet another speaker noted that there is a gray area when it comes to
what constitutes a disorder or disturbance of sufficient magnitude to warra