Who Are We? From Where Did We Come?

Phyllis Airhart, of Emmanuel College, offered an epistle to the Arnprior Assembly that proposed that the previous generations of The United Church grossly underestimated the challenges that their successors would face.

The triumphalism of the first generation came from the effort to create a Christian nation unified under one banner. This saw the marriage of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregationalist traditions in Church Union. Our founders had overstated our commonalities and glossed over differences.

The shame of the second generation marks a sharp contrast from the giddy full-church, full-Sunday School days of the 1950's to empty pews in untenable buildings and an apathetic, increasingly secular society. Our people apologetically admit to being Christian, deferring to a private, unseen, faith that has become largely unknown to members, adherents, and would-be supporters.

She also unlinked the notion of "generation" from the life cycle. Within our tradition's life, this does not have to be the old age decline of a life, but an opportunity for regeneration. Her question posed to us is: Can the next generation chart a course between and beyond triumphalism and shame? Any responses or comments?

Within my own discussion group, we wondered if triumph and shame were the most appropriate ends of the (same?) spectrum. Leading us to that question, what is it that the young Canadians (ages 30-40) are looking for in a church? Are they looking for anything that we're offering? What is our vision, what defines our ministry, who are we?

In order to proclaim our truth, we need to listen. That listening as a spiritual discipline, brings into being the unstated fears, desires and longings of our spirits.