Some readers which to imply that there is a moral equivalence between pointing out anomalies and discrepancies in protocol with the abandoning an oppressed Church. This is what we know today. There are actual murders, bombings, confiscations, imprisonments, closures and intimidation akin to the Gestapo. We wish to compartmentalize our feelings and concern about such matters to the point of a schizoid pathology. The churchmen in the United States wish to institute a gag order on freedom of expression and free press. They denigrate the character of activists who wish to ignite a sense of urgency amongst fellow Orthodox Christians in America who have become too comfortable in their affluence and freedom.
There are many well wishers for sure but of what value are all these well wishers who don't speak up and speak out. There is no shared sacrifice among Orthodox Christians here in the United States despite jurisdiction. The liberty of which we all enjoy is not afforded our fellow Orthodox Christians overseas. The reality of the circumstance as it stands currently is that an overwhelming number of Orthodox Christians resign their support to encouraging the Ecumenical See to move to Greece or Washington D.C. It is an interesting and demoralizing proposition.
Are these same individuals recommending that the Jews leave the Holy Land? Should we yield and forfeit all Christian footholds in all Arab or Islamic nations? Just how has the Ecumenical Throne oppressed anyone in the United States or anywhere for that matter? How is it that all the enlightenment or the only enlightenment 'worth saving' is on the American shore? The covert strong arm tactics of the OCA like AOI can attempt to defame the character of the Mother Church but she has proven that she is not ready to lead. Their history is riddled with corruption, fiscal impropriety, sexual misconduct and now this inability to reconcile one Met.'s respit. These are the facts. It is unhealthy to presume that silence is a solution. A robust healthy discussion and public confession is the best way to brainstorm solutions.
3 comments:
"Some readers which to imply that there is a moral equivalence between pointing out anomalies and discrepancies in protocol with the abandoning an oppressed Church. This is what we know today. There are actual murders, bombings, confiscations, imprisonments, closures and intimidation akin to the Gestapo. We wish to compartmentalize our feelings and concern about such matters to the point of a schizoid pathology. The churchmen in the United States wish to institute a gag order on freedom of expression and free press. They denigrate the character of activists who wish to ignite a sense of urgency amongst fellow Orthodox Christians in America who have become too comfortable in their affluence and freedom."
And there are some who think insulting the clergy of another jurisdiction is getting anything done.
If you want to raise awareness for the evils being done to the Church, then let people know about these atrocities so they can speak out and pray as well. THAT I could stand behind.
"Their history is riddled with corruption, fiscal impropriety, sexual misconduct and now this inability to reconcile one Met.'s respit."
Corruption and misconduct is within the history of the Church from the beginning. Don't try to pin it on the OCA, or any other jurisdiction for that matter.
How about a call to put aside these childish finger-pointing games and a call to lay down arms against each other, in favor of taking on the injustices against the Church? How about speaking up for the Copts, as well as the EP, the Antiochians, etc?
"These are the facts. It is unhealthy to presume that silence is a solution. A robust healthy discussion and public confession is the best way to brainstorm solutions."
Silence is not being advocated. A discussion is. It is less healthy to presume a layperson hurling insults at clergy and bishops is acceptable because it is labeled "robust, healthy discussion". Calling the synod of another jurisdiction "yo-yo's" is not healthy discussion. Sharing wrongs done, calling for accountability and prayer is, however, healthy.
Thus we arrive at an impass. The discrepancy between, on the one hand, the theory of respect and the practice of reckless leadership prove irreconcilable at this time. I find this a blessing and pray I never drink the cool aid.
Riiiiiiiiight...
Because the Kool-aid of self righteousness tastes better I guess.
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