www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Possible Departure

Let me start by saying I hope that this thread does not get deleted as have quite a few of my posts for disagreeing with the Administrator and/or speaking up.

Over the past several months I have been contemplating whether to stay on as a member of this forum. I feel that many of the discussions have become very superficial with a major socio-political focus. I came here looking for substance, spirituality and support.

In a "Christian" setting I have never felt so humiliated and belittled as I have here on many occasions, some public and some private. My posts tend to be few and far between because I do not consider myself to be an exit and I try to avoid getting into never-ending arguments. Many times because I am not in complete agreement with the Administrators or the self-proclaimed experts; and this "phenomenon" is not exclusive to my situation, as I have discussed this with others.

Support and Development of true Eastern Catholicism is a strong passion of mine. I have devoted much of my academic research to the Eastern Churches and Liturgy. As a Catechetical Leader in a Roman Parish I have made attempts to inform the Latin Community of the existence of Eastern Catholic Churches and their proper role in the Universal Church. I have also devoted time to working on the Directory of Parishes on this site as a way to give back for the opportunities given to me.

I feel that my departure is inevitable, but I am unable to just walk way. I feel that my voice is a voice that needs to be heard, because I know that others feel the same and are unable to speak up for whatever reason. I also cannot just immediately sever the relationships, however small they may be, that I have built over the past 2+ years. Unless I have a change of heart, I will probably depart from this forum a week from today. If anybody would like to keep in contact please feel free to PM me and I will give you my e-mail address.

Peace in Christ,
Ed

What do you tell them?

It all depends on the level of the person. For little kids I generally talk only about "outward differences" for teen and adults I attempt to explain that the Church is not just the Roman Catholic Church, but in the full catholicity the Church is comprised of many Churches with varying expressions of worship and beliefs.

I know this is a rather broad response, but much depends on where each person is in their own journey.

Ed,

I understand your frustrations but am sorry to hear that you feel the necessity to depart. I hope that you'll reconsider the decision as I think you've made some excellent contributions to the forum. Regardless of what you do, you remain in my prayers and I'm grateful for the work you've put into the directory.

Many years,

Neil

Ditto...

Ed,

I hope that you will re-consider leaving. A diversity of views makes us all wiser. No one has all the right answers; we post our views and consider the responses. Some are somehat arrogant, but I don't think that is intentional.

I have stood corrected at times; at other times I was frustrated by the lack of courtesy....but all of us are brothers and sisters. As one who had three brothers and two sisters believe me, we don't always get along but there is a unbreakable bond.

Please continue to post.

Your brother in Christ,
Fr Deacon Paul

Please don't leave me all alone with these crazies!!

Totally kidding, but in all honesty, Ed, your views are needed here. Variety is the spice of life, right? If you feel it is best for you spiritually to move on, then that's understandable. But also consider what good your words do for others.

Alexis