Brisbane's Catholic Archbishop John Bathersby and Victoria's Uniting Church Moderator Jason Kioa are facing strikingly similar challenges. They are both under pressure from within their flock to insist that orthodoxy is defended and heretics removed. Powers are available to them in matters of doctrine, worship, government and discipline. But both also wish to allow as much diversity as possible within the bounds of good order. Their responses could hardly be more different.
The churches, St Mary's in Brisbane and St Michael's in Melbourne, have much in common. Both have Sunday gatherings well attended by people of all faiths and none. Both engage in effective social action.
Both use innovative liturgies drawing on eastern mysticism, new age and other philosophies. Both have critics who can point to official statements of faith and practice which are being ignored. Both attract spies who report back to the hierarchy.
Both are media and tech savvy and interact via websites with passionate supporters and detractors. Both are doing only what many other congregations within their denomination are doing, but with greater flair. Both ministers have large, devoted followings they have served for decades. Dr Macnab is 77, Father Kennedy is 71. Both men can boast highly effective ministry to marginalised people, and don't hesitate to do so.
Mr Kioa undertook what he describes as private "discipline conversations" with Dr Macnab. Another senior ordained minister joined this process. The Moderator will announce the outcome next month. There will almost certainly be no public rebuke or other action against St Michael's.
The response of the Archbishop has been direct, confrontational and under the open gaze of a bemused media.
Which response will be more effective? This depends on what outcomes are considered desirable.
In the next few weeks we shall see. - Alan Austin, Online Opinion (click below for full article)
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=8636&page=0