I was asked to gather responses to this question on behalf of my parish, St. Thomas’ Church in St. John’s, Newfoundland.  So far I have gather four and will forward on any others that may come in over the next month or so.

When the Christian church was first created, I believe that it was based upon the initial concepts of love your neighbor, love God and accept Christ’s salvation.

In addition to this, the church had one leader (Christ) who was omnipresent, incorruptibly and indestructible. I guess that the church was based upon the activities of cell groups which functioned autonomously with a set of simple guidelines and the help of the holy spirit as a guide. Groups working independently within one body, I suppose sort of like the internet, Which was created as a communication highway with no specific physical center but many centers of activity.

Just as in bygone ages, I see today’s Anglican church as a sub-part of the Christian way, which is trying to take on and perpetuate a life of it’s own by a) attracting new members, b) trying to inspire existing members to ministry of one form or another and c) trying to educate the world about the good news of Christ’s salvation.

Today’s church has a number of factors which prevent growth but one of the most prevalent of these would be the splintering of existing viable groups or denominations through bigotry, prejudice, fear mongering and other negative aspects of the human condition.

In tens years I would like to see the Anglican get back to basics, remembering that there are really only three rules to follow in Christianity, love God, love your neighbor and accept Christ as your saviour. I would also like to see the denominations of Christianity renaining separate in order to retain their invincibility and strength, as discussed above, but also holding regular joint of services of praise and worship in order to help promote unity and dispel any notion that Christianity is not a unified body.

I believe that this is how the body of Christ was meant to be, but of course I could be wrong

Carl E.

———-

This is where I see the church today: it is still a growing and maturing church. We are still working out issues, although the issues of yesteryear are not the same issues of today. Five hundred years or so ago, it was the original break of Protestants from what we now knows as Roman Catholics, spurred on by Martin Luther et al, as well as early revisions of the original Thomas Cranmer prayer book. That worked itself out over time. Forty years ago, it was the ordination of women in the Anglican Church of Canada. That too, worked itself out over time. Thirty years ago, it was the change in Anglican worship styles from traditional to contemporary. We are still struggling with that in some ways, but for the most part, it has worked itself out to enough degree of satisfaction that it’s barely ever talked about publicly.

And what is it these days? The same sex issue, of course.

These issues mean we all have to trust in God, and leave it in God’s hands to work out in His time.

In ten years from now, I would like to see that the Anglican church has fully resolved the above mentioned issues. I’d even like to see that we are leading the way in overcoming “ritual” and “tradition” and teaching other faiths like the Greek Orthodoxes and the Roman Catholics that the Holy Eucharist is the Lord’s Supper, and all are invited to partake, not just the members of one’s own denomination.

Heather R.

——–

I myself am somewhat a traditionalist in my beliefs/faith and although I do have a very open view, a more liberal approach … I don’t necessarily like or necessarily agree with some of the new nunances …

In ten years time, I do hope that some of the struggles with ideology and other are settled … Some of the issues have been far too devisive and I do hope we can learn to give and take and not through the baby out with the bath water ….

Andrew S.

———

The Anglican church in St. John’s (NL) today is in a state of transition. While trying to preserve the traditions and values that have defined the Anglican church from the last generation, the church is also trying to respond to the needs and relate to the current generation. Examples of this dynamic include alternate forms of music, differing styles of Order of Service and services using films and various speakers instead of the traditional Homily format. Many of these outreach activities are successful, as Alpha, the Marriage Course and events such as The U2 New Year’s Eve service and the Christmas Dinner which are run through St Thomas’ church are well-known within St John’s and act as catalysts to draw people into the church.

However, once people come into the church, I think it is important to have something useful and definite to say. I would like to see the Anglican Church have more of a political voice, such as the Catholic church does today. The views of Catholic church are well known – maybe not well liked- but well known. I think the Anglican church needs to re-visit the traditions and values that define the church and determine how they are applicable to issues facing today’s society. For example, What is marriage?

As our society continues to go madly off in all directions, it is important for the church to act as a compass, to guide people in the right direction, both morally and practically. To provide this guidance, the church needs to reach into its doctrine to provide answers, and to be confident to know why we believe. We need to be direct and confident in our answers to guide people, being rooted in knowledge and doctrines of the church.

The vision at St Thomas’ church has got it right: “To be an all enduring beacon drawing all closer to Jesus”. However, it is important for the church to think one more step ahead to say “Okay, now that we’ve drawn people to the church and to Christ, what do we want to say?”

Sandra C

———-

where do you see your church right now and where would you like to see the anglican church of canada in ten years?”

I see our church, St. Thomas’ as being true to our Vision statement which is: An enduring beacon drawing all to Jesus Christ and growing into seeing this happen as the years go on. We have grown so much in our understanding of who we are and what we are about. Our church is a vital place – with people who are starting to see their part in the community of our church, St. John’s and the province. We are a downtown church so have the advantage of being near the core of the life of St. John’s and are well known for our outreach through prison ministry, Christmas Dinner, senior citizen ministry, Alpha and The Marriage & Marriage Preparation Courses and other ministries.

I hope the Anglican Church of Canada remains vital and true to the Gospel. I worry about our lack of attention to the younger generation and evangelization. I struggle with the Anglican Church and the controversy with the same-sex blessings and pray we will remain within the Anglican Communion worldwide. I am hopeful. I pray my children will be able to find a place in the Anglican Church of Canada in 10 years.

Elaine Y.

This message came to us from the Diocese of E. Nfld. & Labrador. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.