The author here is addressing a group of Unitarian Universalists at the Advance Conference in 1987. I’m not sure if the group is lay, clergy or a mix.
He sees three points of tension. Between clergy and laity, between clergy and in the institutional church and between job/life separation (can I be a minister and still be a person).
To the first one, he suggests changes to the way laity understand the role of clergy, not as simply hired laity, but professionally trained, called not employed individuals.
To the second one, he believes that the UUA should be listened to and worked with to ensure a quality of ministry.
To the third, he suggests greater ministerial collegiatliy and opening up.
I think if you were to fix #1 and #2, #3 might fix itself.
Here is what I was considering while reading this:
My church, having gone through two bad settlements and a mixed interim finally called a non-fellowshipped Methodist minister. He is great. So, I can fault Reverend Raible for making specific recommendations regarding general events, but I can attest that the UUA’s approved ministers can tend to be somewhat self-confident.
Regarding the separation of personal life. Since I started this treck a few years ago, I have considered that I should wear a collar if I ever am called to a church or public ministry. I think this is a message that addresses #1 and #3 above.
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