BONUS BLOG: The Bishop Carcano Trial…and Beyond

Philip Amerson, suffice it to say an online friend, wrote this very early today about our denomination’s trial of a Bishop this week; highlights are mine to save you time —-

United Methodist Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño’s church trial has ended. The jury, composed of an assortment of clergy colleagues from across the nation, voted unanimously for acquittal. In checking in on the proceedings I was aware that I knew too much, and far too little, about what brought us to this juncture.

I knew some of the history over the past thirty years of broken relationships and misunderstandings. I knew the actors on the stage at this hearing. The trial’s result seemed likely all along — but either/or decisions seldom bring closure, healing, or clear pathways forward. Much as we desire these, they are as vapor. Something seems unresolved, unfinished.

Watching from my seat in the bittersweet balcony, I see both the resultant brokenness, and the understandable joy, following this trial. However, in a larger frame it all leaves one pondering about the sufficiency of decisions resting solely on the “law” and “authority” — and so much more. There is, of course, the distinction between “letter of the law” and the “spirit of the law.” As to authority, effective leaders understand the choice of working from “attributed authority” and/or “earned authority.”

Clearly, there are cultural and theological differences at play in this sad drama as well. It is a complex calculus. The satisfactions and wounds of this regrettable episode will ripple out across the years and the church.

While I pray for healing; even more I pray for renewed wisdom and generosity of spirit for all who seek to live as followers of Jesus in the frail institution we call ‘church’ these days.

—- Let’s join him in his prayer.