Some of Our Challenges
Sometimes Episcopalians can raise barriers for those who were not raised in the Anglican Church. Such issues need to be addressed if the Episcopal Church is to attract new members. As our church population continues to grey, our diocesan membership has plateaued or fallen, as it has across the USA. We will need to explore new ways to be genuinely inviting to all, regardless of race, gender, age, or economic status, to share with us the joy and comfort of being welcome together at God’s table.
Economic Health and Financial Issues
Declining populations and increasing unemployment in many small towns present special obstacles. Some communities are now facing challenges as their natural resource-based economies decline and competition from overseas market increases. Many communities have diversified their economic bases, but others are struggling. These forces translate into declining congregations and new test for some churches in the diocese. By adapting our evangelism to include more people of color, non-native English speakers, and young people, we may address some of this decline.
Sustainability of Our Congregations
One third of our churches with the largest congregations are experiencing growth while the smallest one third are experiencing decline (with some notable exception). We must be prepared to address strategies for remedial action – or face what might become inevitable for some of our churches, including even the possibility of closure, if creative alternative solutions cannot be found. The growth and vibrancy of our eight Hispanic congregations point to one strategy.
The Way We “Do Church” in the Twenty-First Century
The ways we approach our church and Christianity in the twenty-first century is an important issue for us to explore with our new bishop. The Cathedral’s Center for Spiritual Development is a rich resource in this area of concern, frequently offering speakers and programs on these issues.
Gay and Lesbian Access to Rituals and Blessings
Full access to our church’s rituals and blessings for gay and lesbian members is being discussed in the diocese. Blessings of same-sex relationships have been taking place in some of our churches, though with little publicity, for several years. At convention in November 2008 a resolution was introduced that would have formally authorized access to such rituals and blessings of same-sex partners in our diocese. Given that General Convention is expected to address the adoption of liturgies for such celebrations this summer, and that a deliberate process for open conversation on this matter has not yet taken place, the proponents of the convention resolution joined with other delegates to introduce a substitute mandating that the seven Convocations, through their Presidents and Deans, facilitate a discussion process on this subject with convocation clergy and delegates at their meetings, prior to convention 2009 and to report back to Convention on the results. The resolution received wide support and was adopted by Convention 2008. These conversations are now taking place in the convocations in and environment allowing all points of view to be heard.
