Where are We Going in the New Millennium?

By The Rev. Grant S. Carey
Trinity Cathedral, Sacramento, California

Historians tell us that the year 1000 was faced with dread. Many felt that it signaled the end of the world. Those who could read turned to Holy Scriptures, searching for "prophesies of doom." And they found what they were looking for. But those who went to the mountain top to await the great catastrophe, eventually returned to the world they had left.

There are people today who are approaching the new millennium in much the same way. They see it as the end of the age rather than the beginning of a new era of opportunity. In fact, one well known religious leader has encouraged his followers to stockpile food and medicine and to arm themselves as God's wrath falls upon the unrighteous -- which implies most of us who do not agree with his doomsday scenario.

Rather than approaching the new millennium with fear and trembling, I feel a sense of quiet optimism. I am aware that we have learned much through the experiences of the past and I am encouraged by the many thoughtful men and women who are responding to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and enriching the lives of all of us.

The Episcopal Church of which I am a priest has had much to do in shaping my thinking. I see myself part of a community of optimistic Christians whose theology is centered on the Word of God Incarnate, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, whose love so vast and so caring that he would never abandon his creation to the powers of darkness. Rather, I perceive God as having chosen to work in and through us to bring about his Kingdom on earth.

This does not imply that there are no challenges for us to face. As fallible human beings, we can ... and often do ...make dreadful mistakes, choosing the wrong path, forgetting our high calling. Perhaps the greatest danger we face as we approach the future is complacency on the one hand the misuse of power on the other.

Still, I sense a deepening awareness of ... and a hunger for ...things spiritual, and a yearning on the part of many to become more open and responsive to the presence of God both in their lives and the lives of others.

We are learning to appreciate much that is good and positive and discern that which is hurtful and destructive. In religion, I sense a breaking down of barriers that for centuries have separated us - - and a longing to work together rather than to live in isolation.

In the new millennium, I foresee Churches once separated drawing closer - - sharing resources for the greater good, while maintaining and celebrating their uniqueness.

I see people becoming more involved in community sharing their interests and talents rather than preferring isolated individualism.

But most important, I see a growing tolerance among all people not only toward the practice of their religious faith, but in accepting one another as members of one human family that seeks to respect the dignity of every human being.

I do not fear the coming of the new millennium - -rather I rejoice in its coming, and I will seek to embrace it as an opportunity to grow and to change.