While the leadership of the church has embraced what many regard as radical causes and relationships, we have not sufficiently interpreted the theological and biblical rationale for our decisions and actions to the membership of the church at large. Many United Church people hear the ethical results of discussions in church courts and colleges of the church, but not the reasoning that has led to those results. Some are angry, some are hurt, some are simply confused. But we are able to do this because we have been immersed in the theological, historical, biblical and cultural reflection that is the necessary background for any such policy. Biblical knowledge and interpretation are meant.
Doctrinal awareness is meant.
Thoughtful preaching is meant not only pep-talks and cute stories and exhortation but preaching that tries to bridge the gap between the historic faith and our lives, personal and collective, here and now. Teaching is meant. Study is meant. Meditation is meant. The whole church must be called to a more mature understanding of who we are as Christians.