A new report reveals the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, continues to be in serious decline. It’s membership is free-falling at a rate three times the national average for the embattled Episcopal church. Down by 46% since 1972.
Nearly 90 percent of its parishes were founded before 1942, and not a single church has opened in 16 years.
Apparently Episcopalians in Newark are an unfriendly bunch. The report blames them for not welcoming newcomers or discussing their faith enthusiastically.
Denial is a wonderful opiate for a dying institution. It eases the pain that would force it to face reality.
At the heart of the issue for the Diocese is the legacy of it’s former Bishop John Selby Spong.
Dynamic movements are characterized by “engaged orthodoxy”. They hold fast to the faith and adapt to the context.
The truth of God incarnate in Jesus Christ is the foundation for this principle. Radically distinct and radically identified.
4 Comments
Thanks Steve. I find it fascinating that one of the hallmarks of Spong’s Diocese is that the people don’t share their faith! While I disagree with almost all (in fact I’m actually trying to think of one I actually agree with) of the things that come out of Spong you couldn’t accuse him of not sharing his brand of faith! He must be disappointed with his flock!
Hey Steve, there is a roaring discussion on this blog taking place on sineposts. See http://www.signposts.org.au/index.php/archives/2006/01/21/spong-and-the-decline-of-the-western-church/
Well i know quite a few people that will stand there and say to them, “I told you so.” while I would not be that harsh you can’t help thinking that when your take ‘jesus’ out of the church your not left with a great deal, well nothing of any value anyway..
I have some inside track into the one of the Episcopal diocese in our state. And it’s no secret one of the largest problems the denomination is facing does not find itself in people leaving in my opinion. Rather, I think it is in the potential rift resulting from the varying opinions on pro or anti homosexual appointments to pastoral and denominational government.
The way the denomination handles this may indeed cause lots more “chair swapping.” Those for will leave if the denomination embraces a true Biblical stance on the appointments. If they do rule against homosexual appointments, then those in favor will leave. If they continue to embrace the appointments, those opposed will eventually leave. And I don’t see any way those two stances can coexist inside an organization that houses two sides fighting for identity. I could be wrong, but doesnt it seem like a split is coming and perhaps a birthing of a new organization no matter which way it goes?
I am not Episcopalian. However, if I were, I probably would have bailed out as soon as the endorsement for homosexual priests was sanctioned. My contact didnt do the same but decided to nobly hang in there and fight for what he believes. I have mixed emotions about it personally. But the “chair swapping” will no doubt continue.
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