Realpolitik

"The breakdown of authority gives way to Realpolitik. Persons and groups that feel deprived look for redress of their grievances, not by persuasive argument or by appeal to authority – authority of the whole church as a community of faith confesses – but by manipulating the levers of power to secure their rights. Elected officials, rather than conveying a word of authority inherent in the gospel, function as brokers of special interest groups. The result is factionalism, mutual suspicion, and a kind of guerilla warfare." -Carl Braaten, Mother Church

I was reading in World Magazine about proceedings in the General Assembly of the PCSUA (my denomination). As usual, the homosexual contingent pushed their agenda, and though they did not succeed in the sanctioning of ordination of homosexuals, they did make inroads regarding the requirement to live in fidelity in marriage or chastity outside of it. Don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those who says, "God hates fags." But I am weary of the homosexual agenda absorbing so much energy and debate.

As an ruling elder I'm bothered by the fact that we're spending so much time on this issue. Call me crazy, but when I think of the roll of church leadership, I think the focus should be on the spiritual development of the congregation with a missional focus.

Realpolitik in my denomination and in other mainline denominations does not contribute to the vitality of the church or its mission. It's no wonder that our brothers and sisters from around the globe are sending missionaries to the USA.