21 Jul 10

While the local church is not the total body of Christ, it
must be seen to be [that body's] particular expression in its
worship, ministry, and mission. It has authority to preach the
gospel and administer the sacraments, but does not possess that
authority in isolation, only as part of the total catholic
Church. The authority of the local church can never, therefore,
be absolute or autonomous, for, if it [asserts such authority],
it denies that it is a part of the larger body and confuses the
Church of God with its particular expression in the local
church. It therefore requires a structure which allows it to
act with the authority of the Church of God, because it must be
Christ to its local community--while, at the same time,
demonstrating that it possesses such authority only because it
is part of the total Church of God whose authority is derived
from its organic relationship with Christ, its Head.-lan P. M. Cundy (b. 1945), "The Church as Community", in The People of God, Ian Cundy, ed., vol. 2 of Obeying Christ in a Changing World, John Stott, gen. ed., 3 vol., London: Fountain, 1977, p. 36

To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.- Benjamin Franklin, 1706 - 1790

Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps. - David Lloyd George, 1863 - 1945

Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at it destination full of hope. - Maya Angelou