Letter to the editor: A fun piece .. and yet

Notes: "The online article, 'Christian life outside the box' [anglicanjournal.com, Oct. 4, 2012] was a fun piece. The line that made me laugh (or be distressed, can't figure out which one yet) was '..They see Anglicans as stiff-upper-lip types who would have no time for fun and are more likely to spend Friday or Saturday night with a youth group than go out on the town'. With 30 years in youth ministry, stiff upper lips are not something I've encountered. However, the idea that 'boring people spend Saturday night with youth' rather than go 'out on the town' is the biggest disconnect for me. Hanging out with youth and young adults keeps me the most connected with life outside of church, with mainstream society, social trends and yes, the 'unchurched'. For people in the church, this article reinforces the stereotype that people without a life are the ones involved in youth ministry. For people outside of church, it reinforces the idea that church youth groups are out of touch with contemporary life. Neither is helpful". [Text of entire article.] Accompanied by colour editorial cartoon.

Subjects: Youth - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Youth ministry - Anglican Church of Canada