The Gloves Are Off.

I have posted a few times about how frustrated I have become with our current church. Today that frustration was brought to a whole new level when someone, who chose to remain "Anonymous", threatened my mom via her blog (http://www.witandwisdomfortheaged.blogspot.com/) with a "liabel" suit over a letter she wrote to the editor of a local paper.

What struck me about this person's threat (besides the obvious misspelled word of libel) was that if this person feels so bold as to threaten with a lawsuit why are they hiding behind the persona of "Anonymous"? But then that's exactly what this church does. Hide.

This church used to feel like home to me. It was warm, it was inviting. It was a place I felt welcomed and accepted. I was proud to be a part of it and I was proud to call it my church home. I no longer feel that way. All I feel now is pity for the leadership for not being responsible enough (or adult enough for that matter) to admit they screwed up. Anger towards the leadership for not respecting the congregation members (or staff members) enough to be honest with them. And sadness for the few people left who buy into the lies the leadership keeps offering. I wish they could understand that all it is is lies.

On the other hand, I commend others. People are leaving this church in droves because of the choices the leaders of this church have made. Empty seats, empty offering baskets and empty programs have replaced the smiling faces of the families that used to attend this church. Hushed tones have replaced the loud chaos that used to fill the hallways.

But the ones I really commend are the people (and the city) who are challenging the leaders of this church. Challenging the decisions being made. Challenging the lack of financial responsibility. Challenging the lack of transparency. To all of them I say; bravo! I wish I could join you.