… and I’m not talking about Hurricane Katrina.

This spiritual storm is forming on the west coast, according to a couple of recent posts by Salguod, and may determine the course – or courses – that churches in the International Church of Christ fellowship may soon take.

It seems that a Los Angeles ICOC congregation has come up with its own version of A Christian Affirmation (drawn up by folks within the Church of Christ fellowship from which ICOC withdrew some years ago – and between whom some have opened a dialog of reconciliation). The new document is called the STATEMENT OF UNIFIED BELIEFS, PRACTICES, AND BROTHERHOOD.

This, apparently in response to former ICOC leader Kip McKean’s statement – also quoted by Salguod, proposing (from Portland, Oregon) to revive “dying, former ICOC churches” by helping “any way we can” in their quest to be “‘free to choose’ whom to submit to.”

I join Salguod and others who are saddened by this turn of events, and hope you will remember this group of believers in your prayers.

I’m not sure it’s ever a good thing when believers feel compelled to draw up documents agreeing on what they must do and must not do and must believe and must not believe and who’s in and who’s out.

– Instead of emphasizing what Christ has done … and that no one in the world is outside of His love … and the incredible fact that He believes in us to share this good news with those He loves.