Disappointed in reading a Shane Hipps article here...
Normally Shane is a really thought-provoking speaker and has a real ability to express some deep truths about faith and life in a really straightforward way... But I think here he has jumped on the bandwagon of slagging off formal religion.
Of course, organised religion has done a lot of harm (take the horrific case of the Roman Catholic Church covering up abuse) and can be a barrier to people finding God in their lives... But this has to be balanced with some of the good things that 'organised' religion HAS achieved that couldn't have been achieved otherwise... Take examples of the abolishment of slavery in this country, the founding of hospitals and schools to start with
And religion comes from the word 're-ligio' which literally means to re-connect (with God)... So while he argues that Jesus doesn't need religion, he argues against the very thing Jesus came to do - to re-connect us with God...
It's just plain lazy when people say religion is bad...
Now is the time to show your leadership...
What struck most people I've heard from about the women bishops vote was the ridiculous and farcical nature of how 42 out of 44 Dioceses (regions) in the Church of England could have voted in favour of women bishops, with over 75% in favour, and still for it not to be approved by General Synod, the 'governing' body...
As per my post the other day, the Church once led the way with women leaders, but is now woefully out of touch with modern Britain.
It is clear that there is a more fundamental problem... That of how the Church of England is governed. How can it be right that so many of its members can hold one view, but for that view not to become reality?
It's said that the new Archbishop is a strong leader... Well now is his time to show this...
Let's not rehearse old arguments, let's not beat around the bush...
He should now order an urgent report into how the C of E is governed. This report should be unlimited in its scope and ability to make recommendations, and should address the issue of how General Synod can fail to reflect the overwhelming view of the C of E.
He should make it clear that to reform or not to reform is not the question... Reform is clearly vital. The recommendations should outline different options for reform, including a radical overhaul.
This needs to be done urgently and with strength of commitment - otherwise the C of E risks both its alleged position as the national church, and its reputation as whole
Come on, Rt Rev'd Welby - show us what you're made of...!
