| Abstrakt: |
To sum up. Clergy interpret the idea of service in a variety of ways which are related in turn to their particular theological orientation. Some of these interpretations, while legitimate in the ministry, have doubtful professional relevance. Clergy who attempt to innovate in areas that are not primarily concerned with maintaining the viability of the local parish, or with providing for personal needs, find little support for their activities and experience considerable frustration and antagonism. Any clergyman who considers his activities should include a concern with social issues, and perhaps political action, is clearly out of place in a local parish. It is little wonder that many of these clergy have had to compromise their position in order to survive, have left the parish ministry for other types of church appointments, or have left the ministry altogether. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
