The reactions to the responses of the churches to the problems
which beset us, political and ethical, have been more often
critical than complimentary. The impression given to the critics
is that decisions are taken to say as little as possible and
in the mildest terms when a robust response might be expected.
It appears that church leaders and spokespersons are nervous
about saying anything hurtful to anyone. The reluctance to
take sides is apparent even when to take one position against
another would be expected by church members. Martin Luther
King described the place and purpose of the Church when he
said: "The Church is not the master and servant of the
state but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the
guide and the critic of the state and never its tool."
It could be most distasteful to churchmen to accept it but
the influence of the churches in this society is much less
than it was and while the expectation remains that their voices
be heard for many they are neither heard nor heeded. That
the churches are constantly examining themselves as to how
they should speak and act in a secular and pluralist society
must be continuously pressing engagement. The not uncommon
tendency to cocoon themselves from the world has meant that
mission, evangelism, outreach, however you describe it, is
not their priority and the primary emphasis of Christianity
with the good news of Jesus Christ is largely absent if not
in word in deed. The lack of growth in many churches is the
warning that their future is bleak unless their attitudes
change. The matter is of deep concern to Orangemen for as
churchmen we are committed not just to church membership but
to the duties and responsibilities that that entails. We must
review our efforts then to ensure that the brotherhood is
not lacking in its contribution to the work and witness of
the churches. Where it is necessary we must draw attention
to their weaknesses and do all we can from within to make
essential improvements in their out-workings. Our right to
be critical is always dependent on the extent of our involvement
in the life of the church to which we are committed. We have
to recognise that we have the right to criticise but only
if our own performances are praiseworthy.
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