[kittymyrib]

I have observed that liberal ministers of all stripes tend to stand in front of the altar, as if taking center stage and focusing attention on themselves. There they expound and/or entertain those in the "audience". Conservative pastors stand in the pulpit or to the side of the altar, which symbolizes the place where God is present holds our attention.

[livius]

have observed that liberal ministers of all stripes tend to stand in front of the altar,

This is a very accurate observation. Now that's something that really makes my blood boil, when I see Father Nitwit parading around in front of the altar with his TV-star type microphone.

[wideawake]

I think your observation is extremely perceptive.

[Romulus]

as if taking center stage and focusing attention on themselves.

I'll build on this observationby pointing out the theatre-style seating (you can't call it orientation) of so many new or recogfigured "worship spaces". The implicit message here is that all lines of sight are not unified and directed to a point outside the physical building but are instead folded inward on an event wholly contained by the structure: IOW, what happens here stays here. It's a design that inculcates the notions of alienation, solipsism, and self-regard, over the concepts of universal communion.

[Aquinasfan]

I have observed that liberal ministers of all stripes tend to stand in front of the altar, as if taking center stage and focusing attention on themselves.

You know, you're right. That's been my experience. That practice may also be mentioned in these liturgical guidelines. As far as I know, at least in the Catholic Church, the priest is supposed to stand behind the lecturn when delivering the homily.