The Pope, the Archbishop and Opinions

“Well, if you want my opinion…” 

I have heard that statement so much over the last few days concerning the recent appointments in the Catholic and Anglican communities. I have also read so many opinions on line, on ‘facebook’ and in the newspapers. Therefore I thought I would add an opinion about these issues for what it is worth and also an opinion about opinions!

Even though I would neither identify myself as an Anglican or a Catholic, but as a follower of Jesus. I was for the most part blessed to hear something of the nature and faith of both, the new Pope, Francis and the new Archbishop, Justin Welby.

Firstly the Pope, regardless of all that Christians and non-Christians alike criticise the Catholic Church for it was refreshing to hear a Christian leader talk of brotherhood and helping the poor and living well but living simply. Pope Francis seems to portray characteristics of Christ in his life. I believe it is God’s heart to pray for him to live from a continual encounter with Jesus.

Secondly, the Archbishop has stood up publically for Christian marriage values. He is clearly an evangelical and more importantly he clearly communicates a friendship with Jesus. I am also aware He is baptised in the Holy Spirit. He also needs our prayer.

Neither, the Catholic Church or the Anglican Church is a blueprint for what church looks like from a New Testament perspective. Actually, we really only get glimpses of what church can be when reading Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles.

I believe in the offices of ministry stated in Ephesians 4 by the Apostle Paul, I believe in these ministries as foundational to church life and maturity and to the church being an agent of the Kingdom of God into this world system. I believe in the priesthood of all believers, I believe in one holy nation under God made up of those from every tribe and tongue purchased by the blood of Jesus. I believe in the restoration of all things and in covenant relationships and Kingdom advance.

I also believe in the restoration of the person and their identity in Christ, not just the restoration of the church as community.

I believe that the Love of the Father needs to motivate every ministry and be the core of every office.

I believe the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is to be the empowering gift for every believer to live a life worthy of the calling they have received, free from condemnation and fear.

I believe that only through fellowship and continual immersion in the Holy Spirit, in whom the Kingdom of God pulsates and advances, will we be ministers of reconciliation and be appealing and convicting to those around us both attracting them to and convincing them of Jesus and all he has accomplished.

I believe that God is judge, and not you or I, and for too long we have judged the world, the church, the denominations and each other. It is time to partake in our heavenly calling, not to judge in a condemning fashion but love from a heart being healed by the presence of God. It is time to stand tall and pray for our Christian brothers and sisters who call on the name of Jesus and not criticise them because we believe they might be ‘in error’.

I don’t believe the monarch or a Pope is the head of the church – Jesus is the head of the church and as the head of the church and the Lord of my life he has asked me to follow him not criticise everyone else in their understanding without expressing love and solidarity towards them.

The unbiblical nature of the foundation of the Church of England has not stopped God moving in an amazing way through the Alpha Course – an Anglican ministry.

The hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church and their non-scriptural practice of praying to saints and to Mary have not stopped the Holy Spirit moving upon the Catholic church to the point that a high percentage of the Cardinals who met for the recent conclave are baptised in the Holy Spirit.

Doesn’t this say something of the heart and nature of God and give us something to imitate as dearly loved children?

Religion and fads are always a concern for the body of Christ and those who care for the church. Even out of the ‘New church movement” in the UK we have seen division and schism, elitism and the experiments of deconstructionism, but we have also seen so much blessing and revelation flow from this movement to the wider body and to the nations.

Thank God the church is becoming more ‘missional.’ Thank God Christians are serving their communities. Thank God that Christians, no matter what label, are standing up for what they believe in grace and humility.

The bottom line surely is this – no matter how great our revelation is of the church, how deep our sound doctrinal roots go, how wide our mouths open to argue our position or how vast our apostolic and prophetic insight and influence is, we remain narrow as people and shallow as leaders if we choose judging and criticising and speaking against others over loving, serving, nurturing, believing in and listening to others.

Let us be slow to thrust our opinions and interpretations on others and be quick to share God’s love and God’s Word. Let us stop being against things and live for the One who gave all for us. Let us throw off every hindrance of spiritual pride and doctrinal superiority and get excited about Jesus again and turn the world upside down or possibly the right way up!