The heavenly hierarchy did some research
The theme of their survey - 'The state of the Church'
It took a long time e'er their task was complete
Then Peter decided that they should all meet
to see what their findings revealed, since its birth
And so the disciple who started it all,
the first cosmic conference on 'faith' he did call.
On sifting the evidence they had amassed,
each was surprised and disturbed and aghast,
and none more so than intrepid Saint Paul
'When I see the schisms, divisions and sects',
he said to the Chairman, I feel most perplexed.
Each denomination believes it is right.
They're often so bigoted; bicker and fight,
and bishops play havoc with biblical texts'.
And Peter agreed as he studied the list
of Catholics and Quakers and of Methodists,
of Anglicans, Baptists and the Wee Free.
O why can't the churches on earth all agree?
Their differences after so long still persist
The sermons are dull and they fall on deaf ears
Attendance is on the decline it appears'.
Spoke Thomas, I doubt if the church will survive
Despite all its gimmicks, it isn't alive.
The joy that we knew, has been missing for years'.
'Corinthians Thirteen is the answer', said Paul
I know what I'm talking about, after all.
Let's send a message from us here above -
"Forget all your differences, unite in love".
It's greater than faith, as I wrote, you recall.'
A silence ensued and then Gabriel was heard
"I wonder if you will let me have a word?
For I've just returned with good news from the earth.
The Church is awakening, there is a re-birth.
The Spirit's at work and the hearts of men stirred.
Man's realising now that to have, not to be
brings stress, discontentment, anxiety
The Church has a mission - to heal and make whole,
to preach with conviction to every lost soul.
A great new revival of faith we shall see'.
The delegates cheered as they stood on cloud nine
and heaven resounded with praises divine.
