Hi Tom. Perhaps it's more relevant to look to the charism(s) that generate(d) the UCA out of the previous denominations (yeah, I know we're supposed to be _not_ another denomination, in theory and original intent, but characters like McCaughey have lamented the focus we've had since 1977 on becoming a denomination, not continuing the journey that formed the UCA).
I certainly find some renewal of interest and energy when we look again at the Basis of Union and the times & issues surrounding it. Andrew Dutney's certainly got a fair bit of mileage out of his interest in the issue, and I think that suggests others find his research and writings of interest too. I actually know of a current UCA member who sought out a UCA congregation after reading the Basis of Union, when he found his own theological questions & issues being addressed by the BoU in ways that his previous (more conservative and congregationally-focussed) denomination hadn't even allowed. I wouldn't think that all denominations have become indistinguishable, but rather that we've each forgotten why we're distinctive (in ways more than just "we're not like them"). And one of the reasons I like the UCA is that we have some good reasons why we're distinctive: for example, we ordain women in contrast to the majority of other Christian denominations around the world, and we do so as a matter of conscience or obedience to the Spirit (which actually harks back to stuff of Wesley's charism, interestingly). Regards, Rohan Rohan Pryor Manager, Information Technology Services Synod of Victoria and Tasmania Uniting Church in Australia Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ph: (03) 9251 5243 Fax: (03) 9654 4110 Website: http://vic.uca.org.au -----Original Message----- From: Tom Stuart [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2004 12:19 AM To: 'insights-l' Subject: Reason for the end of denominational allegiance I'm reading a book at the moment that suggests that a large part of the decline of denominational allegiance is due to the fact that most denominations have moved so far, or lost altogether, the original charism (for the sake of a better word) that brought that denomination into being. That seems to suggest that all denominations have become indistinguishable in their nominalism. I wonder how many people who go to the churches where I worship know of Wesley and Calvin. While I think many would not even know these characters names I am certain that no one could articulate the unique contribution these made giving birth to Methodism and the Presbyterian church. I'd never thought of it that way before. Tom [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.milman.uniting.com.au Ph: 6862 5502 Mobile: 0427 625 502 14 Bushman St Parkes NSW 2870 'Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable'. I prefer to die living than to live dying! "War is a poor chisel with which to carve out the future." - Martin Luther King, Jr "There is one rule for the industrialist and that is: Make the best quality of goods possible at the lowest cost possible, paying the highest wages possible." Henry Ford << File: ATT00006.html >> ------------------------------------------------------ - You are subscribed to the mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] - To unsubscribe, email [EMAIL PROTECTED] and put in the message body 'unsubscribe insights-l' (ell, not one (1)) See: http://nsw.uca.org.au/insights-l-information.htm ------------------------------------------------------
