A new church

If I were to start a new church it would...

Comments

[robert]

If i were to start a new church it would be open to all it would work for social justice etc and would not be tied down by dogma. it would respect all views and all kind of life styles.it would welcome diversity and would have no time for bigots even if they are ministers. it would welcome children to communion and have a good child protection policy.it would try to promote the word of jesus and most of all his love for all mankind.

[stewart cutler]

I'd join Robert's church, although I'd want to welcome all kinds of bigots.

As long as we never buy a building because our church would be focused on the community it was part of, locally, nationally and internationally.

Wanna do it?

[Roddy]

The thing about the Aberdeen case (go here to find our about it: http://www.halfwaytoheaven.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63:oh-no-trouble-brewing&catid=19:news&Itemid=16) is that it really makes me want to talk about being a new church, just start again and start with first principles, shaped by the spirit of the gospels rather than the letter, shaped by journey and renewal rather than strict orthodoxy, haped by love and justice rather than church government.

Of course schism isn't always a good idea but sometimes it is. Jesus talks about pruning and grafting rather than starting again, but it is very close to starting agian. I'm hoping both overtures to the assembly are well defeated but you know, and it's rare that you get to this stage, I really don't know what will happen. But yeh, I'd like to think about a new church. The effort of pruning this one seems too much at times.

The more practical/faithless question is, who pays the mortgage?

[Margaret]

I wouldn't call it church.

Not to be cool, just cause too often we don't *get* church when it's called that. There's all these set ideas of what church should be about that have become ideals.

My church would just be me and anyone who wanted to join me trying to live and helping each other out.

[Roddy]

Margaret -
fabulous idea on your blog. In this new church there will be a great shelve of mugs, all different in age and style and size and colour and you just pick one and fill it with tea and coffee. that's who we'll start the community.

Brilliant.

[stewart cutler]

We could always get real jobs Roddy... Hmmm... maybe not! ;-)

Is there a place for a new church in scotland? A union of those with a left leaning theology?

Or, as you say, would it be easier just to start again? I think in many ways starting over would be better. Just step out of the institution into the world...

[Roddy]

Or shall we let a new shape of church grow out the old one. Is that emerging church? More discussion/art/social justice/community based. New would be easier but I know deep down it really would be better to reshape and renew and reform what is already there. I think we're going to need copious amounts of Red Bull and Lucozade et al to do it.

[robert]

Yes i like a new version of the church coming out the old.roddys ideas are broadly in line with what i would like our church in scotland to be i think at Abbotsford we are going on the right lines not there yet but on the right track. However i feel if schism happens as i feel it may in the not so distant future let it be the evangelical wing that goes.I do not include all evangelicals in this but those how are trying to impose their will on all the church.

[Tom]

... not need a specific building.
... not be an "organisation" with membership.
... not be run from a head office.
... not have office bearers.
... have people who just "did things" (without fear).
... have no dress code.
... have no need for a statistics form.
... have no need for any forms (full stop).
... have no place for long winded creeds.
... have people who tolerated all things
... have "ALL WELCOME" above the door
... and mean it.

And using the grape vine analogy...
Grapes are not planted from seed, but from shoots grafted onto roots (rootstock),
Grapevines can last and produce for many decades, planting is done only when existing vines absolutely need to be replaced, or a new area is prepared for a vineyard.
Vines will be replaced for three reasons:
Old age. The vines are no longer producing sufficient yield
Disease. The vines have one or more diseases that cannot be successfully treated
New variety. The grower decides to switch over to a different variety.

Growing grapes is a slow process, and requires a lot of patience.

AND OF SPECIAL INTEREST...
Sustainable vinegrowing is following practices that are economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally sound.

[Andrew]

You guys may want to check out the Unitarian Faith. I only discovered it less than a year ago. I think you may find it's exactly what you're talking about...

There are pagan unitarians, athiest unitarians, christian unitarians, humanist unitarians etc, etc, and all are totally welcome. There is no 'membership' or anything like that. Added to all that, no one will ever tell you what to believe. Unitarians are just awesome!

http://www.unitarian.org.uk/