OK - so here I rush....
Submitted by Forgiven on July 24 2001 18:12:20
In reply to Thanks for the support submitted by Nate on July 22 2001 20:39:05
|
I think the issue is about you needing to review your living in that small town, and whether you should remain in that church. There's a strong case against - your pastor appears to have no real idea of how to look after a BL (though most don't) and his approach of blackmailing you into obedience is entirely unacceptable; I was nearly in the same position with with my pastor - if he had threatened it, I would have pushed for his immediate resignation. On the other hand you appear to have some confidence in the wider leadership of your church, os so then they need to hear how hard it is what they are demanding of you. There is a quote from the Rule of Saint Benedict (the founder of western monasticism - the black monks who are still to be found, some 1300 years later all over the world) CHAPTER LXVIII If a Brother Is Commanded to Do Impossible Things If, perchance, any difficult or impossible tasks be enjoined on a brother, let him nevertheless receive the order of him who commandeth with all meekness and obedience. If, however, he see that the gravity of the task is altogether beyond his strength, let him quietly and seasonably submit the reasons for his inability to his Superior, without pride, protest, or dissent. If, however, after his explanation the Superior still insisteth on his command, let the younger be convinced that so it is good for him; and let him obey from love, relying on the help of God. The bottom line is that if your pastor's instructions are of God, then He will provide the support - but there is no absolute guarantee that it is from God, and you do have a right to make the pastor realise what a hard thing he is demanding of you. There are moments when I can agree with the claim that there is hypocriscy involved in married pastors telling us singles how to live our lives..... on the other hand the Catholic clergy then get challenged for telling the married how to live theirs.... Anyway - tell us how you go on |
Follow ups: