TENNESSEE: BISHOP SEES HOPE IN MIDST OF ECUSA FALLOUT AND POLARIZATION

By Bert Herlong

From the Jul/Aug 2004 issue of the Cross and Crozier

It is not news to anyone that there continues to be significant fallout and disruption in the Episcopal Church from the actions of the 74th General Convention. Laity and clergy are continuing to react in ways that demonstrate their dissatisfaction. Then, of course, there is an equal and opposite reaction by those who disagree with them, contributing to the continuing unrest.

We do have a basic theological split in the church and the convention decisions have produced a polarization that leaves no middle ground. There seems to be an ever-widening gap between the two positions. No matter which side you are on, one cannot deny the crisis in our church. I have frequently been asked if there are any good things happening in the church these days in light of the General Convention actions.

I see four distinct things happening in the Diocese of Tennessee and from my conversations with other bishops, I have reason to believe that they are happening all over our church. These are things that give me hope for the future. They are not what other parts of the Anglican Communion can or may do but what is happening right here within the American Episcopal Church.

First, there is an enormous amount of energy and concern among our laity. Never in my whole life have I seen such interest, care and concern for the church. This has increased exponentially the interest, and activity of the laity in our congregations and in our diocese.

Second, more and more people are reading the bible. New bible study groups are being formed and existing groups are expanding. Several of our churches have declared this "The year of the Bible." Then at what seems like just the right moment, the movie, "The Passion of the Christ" was released and brought about additional interest in the biblical story.

Third, many, many people are questioning what they truly do believe. This "teachable moment" is opening new and deeper understanding of the Christian faith in our churches.

Fourth, most important of all is the fact more people than ever before are praying for the church, for the clergy and people and our common mission. We hold the power to change the world and the church in our hands when they are folded in prayer.

Now I am sure that there are other signs of health and vitality abroad and that many good things are happening in spite of and because of, the deep concern and anguish over the actions of the General Convention. But these four clearly and easily identified actions of our church members are enough to convince me that God is still working in our church and that there will be a resolution to the crisis that afflicts us all. If we have an energized, active and committed laity, seriously reading the Bible, studying their faith and deeply involved in prayer, there is good reason to look to the future in confidence.

Ultimately, of course, I believe that God will win in the end and our job is to be faithful in the meantime. That means working and praying and giving for the work of the church in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. It means making disciples who make disciples, witnessing to our faith and reaching out in service to those in need.

A woman here in Tennessee prayed to God, "O God, the church is hopeless, the situation is impossible." God answered, "Good, that is when I do my best work!" We all need to remember that it is God's church and God is still in charge and with God, all things are possible.

The Rt. Rev. Bert Herlong is the Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Tennessee.