How small is
small?
Chris McDonnell CT Friday November 4th 2016
There is an
interesting change taking place in the United States as the conservative nature
of the US hierarchy is gradually being eroded by the appointment of bishops
more in tune with the openness of Francis.
But change never
comes without backlash and in an address delivered at the University of Notre
Dame, the Archbishop of Philadelphia, Charles Chaput gave us an indication of
where that might take us.
He argued that
we “should never be afraid of a smaller,
lighter Church if her members are also more faithful, more zealous, more
missionary and more committed to holiness”. That is a loaded statement,
fraught with many difficulties, not the least being definition of terms.
When we start to
make judgements on others, we step on stones that are slippery and insecure.
When that judgement is passed on another’s commitment to faith and its exterior
appearance, then the risk is great indeed.
I read the
comments made by the archbishop with concern, following as they do, a similar
advocacy made by the emeritus Bishop of Rome, Benedict XVI.
To advocate a
smaller, purer church challenges the very nature of a pilgrim Church, where the
open arms of a Christian welcome demands that we offer what we have and accept
others who might wish to share journey.
It all smacks of
religious sectionalism that takes no account of the bumps and difficulties that
we all experience.
None of this
absolves us of the need to strive for great perfection and personal growth in
faith, that is a challenge that we all face, but a smaller church in
consequence? I don’t think so.
Later in his
address he makes another bewildering comment. ‘Losing people who are members of the Church in name only is an
imaginary loss. It may be in fact be more honest for those who leave and
healthier for those who stay.’ Oh please,
there is no inconvenience when we stand with others whose conviction, or lack
of it, is having a rough ride. Standing alongside others, we are there together,
pilgrims in a pilgrim church, seeking the Lord’s help and forgiveness, day in,
day out.
The obvious
disparity comes for the politician whose personal Christian faith is known yet
whose party demonstrates a differing position. Vice-presidential candidate Tim
Kaine has been singled out for critical comment, as have other nationally known
elected representatives. It is a matter of conscience that is complex and
demanding of each individual facing difficult choices. We should respect their
conscience.
A political
party system of government in a democracy will only work if we accept what is
often called ‘a broad church’ of commitment to membership. Given the
multiplicity of social views in a largely secular society, it is inevitable
that there will be questions asked by Christians.
But what is the
option? On the ‘smaller church’ principle, should we leave political parties to
get on with government whilst we sit on the side-lines making noises? Or, as I
would prefer, should we stay round the table, to argue the validity of our
belief? Walking away can only weaken our position in the public arena.
The Church is a
healthier and more Christ-like space when there is honest discussion and a
willingness to listen. At one time, divergent opinions put you beyond the pale.
But who would support the principle of a family who rejected one of their own
in order to sustain the purity of the tribe? No, we would have greater
admiration for the family who keeps hold, however tenuously, with the one in
difficulty, hoping that through their example of love, a return path is made
possible.
The phrase ‘small in beautiful’ arose from a
collection of essays published by the economist E F Schumacher. The words originally
came from his teacher, Leopold Kohr. It was largely applied to industrial
circumstances in the face of multi-national enterprises that are so prevalent
in the years since the end of the Second World War.
It was not
intended, nor should it ever be used, as a definition of the quality of faith.
A Church that talks to a small, self-selecting group runs contrary to the
mission that is ours. The broadcaster, Malcolm Muggeridge, who died in 1990
once said that ‘I have spent most of my
life trying to live without God. I have found however that God cannot live
without me’
A
tongue-in-cheek remark maybe but reflective of the Prodigal Son attitude of the
Gospel narrative, doors that are open, arms that welcome; stay around, you’re
family.
END
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