What is our understanding of 'CHURCH'?

This time I am not singling out the now famous(??) CRF, but just using it as an
example. We can cite similar example all around.

CRF says it does not belong to any 'Church'. That brings to fore a
question, which in my mind exposes an even deeper problem -

What is our understanding of the Church? Is it a group of believers?
Then all pastors and their mini-groups form independent 'Church'es.

But if the 'CHURCH' is the Body of Christ - it will be ONE. It will
be Holy and it will be Apostolic as per the teachings that we have.
The Body of Christ will not have contradictory teachings in faith.

If the CHURCH is the Body of Christ, then the Holy Qurbana assumes
great significance - because as the physical food nourishes and
sustains the physical body, so does the Holy Qurbana sustain the
CHURCH, the Body of Christ.

I refuse to call my Church a 'denomination' and also refer to Her
as 'a Church'. In my mind it is 'THE CHURCH'. [I believe firmly that
those brothers and sisters in other denominations also ought to have
this understanding about their Church - a paradox? Yes, but something we have to
live with - till the Lord comes. That is why I am not for any
'inter-denominational' experiments with faith. In several other fields, I
welcome inter-denominational interactions, but not in matters of faith. I think
the Lord never intended these 'denominations' - just one Church, so either
reconcile and become one, or else hold on to the one you choose to be in with
your life as that is the only one.]

I think the differences of opinion in this point, is the root difference between
me and many others here.

If CRF does not belong to any 'Church' what is it doing preaching Christ?
Preaching Christ crucified pretending His Church for whom the Holy Blood was
shed fails to make a lot of sense. [I know the practical situation of today
where there are several 'denominations' so I do understand what CRF is saying,
but I am trying to bring out the irony - Where indeed is Christ's Church?]

Here is another question I have - a preacher vs THE CHURCH. Who is greater? If
the Church instructs or disciplines a preacher, can he just take the Bible and
walk away? I don't think this is an option if the understanding is that the
Church is the Body of Christ.

The Church is who is given the responsibility to preach, not individual
preachers - sure we as a Church has failed in many areas, but then such
individual preachers disobeying the Church weakens the Church further. With
their talents which God had given them, they could have worked wonders in the
Lord's vineyard, instead they chose greener pastures and moved away.

It is my strong conviction that the Lord will never forsake the
Church. The Holy Spirit broods over the Church guiding her in our
times. We need to recognize, identify and encourage preachers within
the Church so that mistakes in the MYY episode are not repeated. In
the interest of everyone concerned, I do hope MYY matter is
reconciled if there is still time, but I stand firmly with the
decision of the Holy Synod. May God be our guide.

Regards,
Mathew Samuel, Albany, NY

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IndianOrthodox/message/18771