Statistics provide a valuable tool for analysis.  They offer an objective snapshot of a particular time and place and, over a period of time, a means of comparison to reveal trends and patterns.  However, just like isolated verses from the Bible,they can also be utilized to prove a particular point that may be limited in perspective – and, I believe, that statistics can be dangerous without interpretation by human dialogue and interaction looking at a matter from the vantage point of multiple interpretations and points of view.  More about that in future posts.

Recently, I attended a presentation made by a respected colleague and friend about the state of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).  He outlined a series of statistics that indeed are very disturbing – decline in membership – decline in number of baptisms – decline in number of congregations – trends that are not unique to our denomination – trends that are shared by many.  He observes that our denomination is “deathly ill.”  I agree with his assessment of the current state of the church.  The statistics paint a very bleak picture and the patient – our denomination and others – is in need of intensive care.

However – his prescription for the path to follow into the future and mine are very very different!

His solution – one shared by many of our colleagues and friends – calls for a need to tighten our boundaries and limit our diversity, and, once again, to move away from “unity” in the direction of “uniformity.”

Many of us – including me – believe that the only solution for this illness is for us to practice what we preach and to follow Jesus as disciples with actions more than restrictive rules – or laws.

My experience and ministry have taught me that people – over years and years of time – have moved away from organized religion because they hear a message of radical love yet are often treated with practices of exclusion, judgment, and limitation – are told that “all” are welcome but that a person will be refused consideration for leadership until they affirm a set of standards that are defended with evidence that is narrowed by fear and anxiety.

For many years I have quoted a set of hymn lyrics by Fred Kaan.  I encourage you to follow this link to learn more about the life and work of this remarkable man – http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/fred-kaan-minister-and-celebrated-hymn-writer-1809481.html.  In my opinion – his text “Help Us Accept Each Other” – http://www.hymnary.org/hymn/PH/358 – is worthy of consideration as a confessional standard for the church.  Without any doubt or reservation the second stanza beautifully and powerfully summarizes my thoughts on loving inclusion and offers what I believe is the only way that the church will ever be able to reverse its sad decline:

Teach us, O Lord, Your lessons,
As in our daily life
We struggle to be human
And search for hope and faith
Teach us to care for people,
For all, not just for some,
To love them as we find them
Or as they may become.

This discussion will continue.  I hope you will join the conversation.

Grace and peace