Can I quote from the Rule of the Northumbria Community?
'Criticism is useful in the Community. It cannot be given with bitterness. It cannot be expressed in insults, in acts or judgements that offend the honour of individuals or groups. It should avoid recourse to inappropriate forms of publicity.
'If it comes from the Holy Spirit, criticism must be animated by the desire to advance in truth and love. It must be filled with respect, always adhering to the directions given by the Lord about correcting one another [in Matthew 18:15-16] 'If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of your. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'
Rule continues: The community must always be reformed, and try to correct its imperfections. Criticism can often help the Community to take a new step forward.
It appears from the history of the Church, and particularly from the lives of the saints, that frequently the Holy Spirit inspires prophetic words meant to foster the development or the reform of the Christian community's life. Sometimes these words are addressed especially to those who wield authority.
'There are many faithful, and above all, many saints who have given popes and other pastors of the Church the light and strength necessary for fulfilling their mission, especially at difficult times for the Church. This fact shows the possibility and usefulness of freedom of speech in the Church: a freedom that can also appear in the form of constructive criticism. The important thing is that what is said truly expresses a prophetic inspiration coming from the Spirit.
'The Holy Spirit fosters sincerity between us and a mutual trust.'
Quotes added are Romans 15.14, 'I myself am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, complete in knowledge and competent to instruct one another.' and Col. 1.16
Blessings
Eleanor
