Hope Springs Eternal -- At Least in ABC Circles

Earlier this week I reported on first impressions from the recent round of ABC meetings. Now more of the news has come in and the picture is much more "optimistic" for Dr. Medley's position than I had understood it to be when writing the first report.

In a round of e-mails circulating between members of the General Executive Council, industrial strength wordsmithing has been applied to the upcoming press release describing actions of the GEC. At this point, the participants are intent on finding a way to work the word "transformational" into the statement in place of the more pedestrian "helpful," "progressive," or "positive." They want to be seen as advocating truly radical and transformational, rather than merely incremental, changes in the organization supporting ABC life.

One person suggested that the public release should simply say that "we engaged in discussion about controversial issues that have paralyzed us. And that we think we have a starting place for meaningfully addressing issues that divide us."

Others have seen an analogue to the controversy over WCC/NCC participation a couple of decades ago. Conservatives who were bothered by the affiliation were given the option to go on record as non-supporting of the WCC/NCC. An additional advantage is that conservatives seemed placated by that earlier solution.

In preparation for a September meeting of the GEC, about a half dozen structural change scenarios (complete with the advantages and disadvantages of each) are being discussed and evaluated. Several who have been part of the nay-saying crowd are reportedly speaking more optimistically of the prospects for finding a structural solution to the current impasse. At least they want to (as one participant put it) "give it one more try for the Gipper."

I am dubious of the strategy to find our salvation in structural changes. The core problem relates to deeply held theological differences in core beliefs. Papering over such divides with the arcane argot of bylaws will hardly satisfy anyone.

Unfortunately reporting on ABC life can be hazardous. I am not sure how much longer these reports will be continued. However, as long as there is information to be had, you will hear what can be known.

[His Barking Dog pretends to no power, authority, or insider status anywhere. These are merely the grunts of an old dog gnawing on a few bones out back of the house.]