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August 3, 2008
Archbishop Affirms Ban on Gay Bishops, Same-sex Unions
As historic Lambeth closes, Williams admits communion remains in 'grave peril.'
Canterbury at the end of the Lambeth conference has become the land of many statements and restatements. But as predicted, there was no definitive action.
In summary, here are some of the things that did and did not happen:
1. Bishop of New Hampshire Gene Robinson did not gain official entrance to Lambeth. But he was frequently on site at the University of Kent, to the joy of some and the disgust of others.
2. Lambeth's 600 plus bishops (no official count or list has been released) did not approve an Anglican Convenant. Much discussion was held and more meetings on the covenant are expected lasting into 2009.
3. The Anglican Communion did avoid a formal split or schism. Yet even Rowan Williams admits the communion is still at 'gravel peril.'
4. Lambeth-attending conservative bishops and primates did voice much criticism of liberals and revisionist theology. But as yet the rhetoric of conservatives has not resulted in all revisionists clearly agreeing to bans on same-sex unions and gay ordinations.
The word stalemate still seems to fit this situation.
According to the Press Association (UK):
The Archbishop of Canterbury has called on North American churches to abide by agreements not to consecrate gay bishops or carry out blessings on same-sex couples. On the final day of the Lambeth Conference, Dr Rowan Williams put forward the idea of a "Covenanted future" involving a "global church of inter-dependent communities". The once-a-decade meeting of worldwide bishops has been dominated by the issue of gay clergy and same sex unions, which has threatened to tear the Church apart. Disharmony has seen 200 bishops - a quarter of those invited - stage a boycott. Some Anglican churches in North America have carried out blessings for same sex couples, in contravention of agreements not to do so, or moratoria. "If the North American churches don't accept the need for moratoria then to say the least we are no further forward," Dr Williams said. "The idea of a Covenant which includes as many of them as possible becomes more fragile and that means that as a Communion we continue to be in grave peril." He said it was often assumed that the blessing of same sex marriages or the ordination of gay bishops was simply a human rights issue. "That's an assumption I can't accept because I think the issue about what conditions a church lays down for a blessing have to be shaped by its own thinking and its own praying."
Click here for the sermon text for the final Lambeth service at Canterbury Cathdral. This seems more significant for what Rowan Williams doesn't say. He seems to place an unusually high value on the fact of conversation, not the results of conversation, debate, and dialog.
The Indaba process resulted in a lengthy reflections statement. Click here for the final Aug. 3 text.
Reporter Steve Waring (Living Church) indicates that once again many important conversations will be taken up months from now. Something sure to frustrate conservatives, liberals, and rank and file church-goers.
Continue for:
1. Steve Waring's dispatch.
2. Statement from Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori
3. Additional comments from conservative Bishop of Egypt Mouneer Anis.
The final "Lambeth Indaba" reflections document suggests that "a season of gracious restraint" may be the best way to resolve disagreement over the scope and duration of a moratorium on the consecration of partnered homosexual persons as bishop, the celebration of public rites of same-sex blessings and cross-border incursions by overseas bishops. The document was released Aug. 3, the final day of the 20-day gathering of Anglican bishops.
"The moratoria can be taken as a sign of the bishops' affection, trust and goodwill towards the Archbishop of Canterbury and one another," the 42-page reflection paper suggests. "The moratoria will be difficult to uphold, although there is a desire to do so from all quarters. There are questions to be clarified in relation to how long the moratoria are intended to serve."
The section of the reflections document titled "The Windsor Process" also notes clear majority support for creation of a "Pastoral Forum" to resolve serious disputes.
"Many felt strongly that the forum could operate in a province only with the consent of that province and in particular with the consent of the primate or the appropriate body," the document states. "It is essential that this should be properly funded and resourced if it has any chance of being productive. There was some support for an alternative suggestion: to appoint in any dispute, a pastoral visitor, working with a professional arbitrator and to create in the Communion a ?pool' of such visitors."
Questions as to the nature and length of a proposed moratorium and the proposal to establish a pastoral forum will be referred to the Windsor Continuation Group. Last February, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams announced appointment of a six-member group which includes Bishop Gary Lillibridge of West Texas. The Windsor Continuation Group will prepare a document for consideration by the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), which meets next May in Jamaica.
Steve Waring
* * *
Lambeth 2008
Many bishops came to this gathering in fear and trembling, expecting either a distasteful encounter between those of vastly different opinions, or the cold shoulder from those who disagree. The overwhelming reality has been just the opposite. We have prayed, cried, learned, and laughed together, and discovered something deeper about the body of Christ. We know more of the deeply faithful ministry of those in vastly differing contexts, and we have heard repeatedly of the life and death matters confronting vast swaths of the Communion: hunger, disease, lack of education and employment, climate change, war and violence. We have remembered that together we may be the largest network on the planet ? able to respond to those life and death issues if we tend to the links, connections, and bonds between us. We have not resolved the differences among us, but have seen the deep need to maintain relationships, even in the face of significant disagreement and discomfort. The Anglican Communion is suffering the birth pangs of something new, which none of us can yet fully appreciate or understand, yet we know that the Spirit continues to work in our midst. At the same time patience is being urged from many quarters, that all may more fully know the leading of the Spirit. God is faithful. May we be faithful as well.
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
* * *
From comments to the Lambeth news media from Mouneer Anis, Bishop of Egypt:
I was greatly encouraged by the truthful and realistic assessment made by The Windsor Continuation Group (WCG) about the situation of the Communion. Their recommendation of retrospective moratoria on the blessing of same sex unions, the ordination of active gay and lesbian people and upon interventions across boundaries are indeed the only way forward to mend the torn fabric of the Communion. Their proposal of "A pastoral Forum" if fully implemented, could protect the orthodox within TEC. These recommendations will help to stop further splits and will put an end to interventions. The big question is: will the Episcopal Church in North Armerica (TEC) accept these recommendations? Will TEC recognise the importance of mutual submission?
This is a way ahead that could prevent future crises. It can enhance our interdependence in essentials while also preserving our appropriate administrative autonomy and local identities. Some TEC bishops resist the idea of the covenant as they see it as punitive and limiting of their sense of control. They think that it will restrict them from responding to the needs of their culture which they feel should have priority. But sadly, it must be asked, if they are not willing to abide by the mind of the church why do they say the Communion is important to them?
If TEC and Canada do not accept the Covenant recommend?ations they will leave the wider Communion with the one option that was recommended by the Windsor Report and the Dar es Salam Primates' Meeting. This was for them to withdraw from internationalAnglican Councils and bodies. This will create a safe distance for them to consider their priorities, while also allowing the wider communion to move forward with its shared priorities and mission and to clear away the mess created by the current crisis.
Comments
Fascinating. It was not Bishop Robinson that boycotted the conference, refused to share communion and fellowship, and threatened to leave the worldwide Communion but somehow he (and other gay and lesbian Anglicans) get stuck with the blame. It is obvious who is divisive here and it is not Bishop Robinson.
Posted By: Cal Roberts | August 3, 2008 11:49 PM
Tim seems to forget that the Episcopal church engendered by their bishops, are the ones that ordained a gay bishop, an action that flies in the face of the 1998 Lambeth declaration regarding homosexuality and the Holy Scriptures. Yes it is obvious who is divise here!
Posted By: Steve | August 4, 2008 10:03 AM
It is not fascinating that Gene Robinson, an open and acknowledged Homosexual who is flaunting his sin in the face of God and the Church. It is disgusting. If you choose to sin, disobey our Creator and His Holy Scripture, then don't call yourself a Christian, and don't try to rewrite the Words of God Himself. Go start the Homosexual Anglican Communion and quit this persistent effort to call those who actually believe the Word of God, Obey the Scripture and live our lives as Disciples of the Christ, racist, bigots or whatever the next word is in line.
Apostacy, Blasphemy, open rebellion to God's commandments, do they mean nothing to you? Annanias and Saphira dropped dead for keeping a portion of their offering. They lied and blasphemed the Holy Spirit, What on earth is in store for those that openly rebel against Yahweh and claim that it is correct, just and true?
You either know not what you do, or you know exactly what you do, and have no idea of the judgment which is to come or simply don't care. You are so caught up in selfish desires, again, why exactly are you Anglican?
Repent and sin no more. Those words are in the Bible, it is too bad you have little use for them.
Posted By: Mark Hayes | August 4, 2008 11:56 AM
We should share what we share - love in Christ Jesus, our bonds of affection and shared purpose in ministry, our relationship as an Anglican family.
We should live and let live about the things we cannot share: exlicitly uniform perspectives about every single aspect of our faith and experience of scripture. That's a traditional and cherished Anglican gift.
We have a pre-modern world, a modern world, and an emerging world, all gathered in this Communion. Accomodation and freedom of authentic expression of the movement of the Holy Spirit amongst us must be preserved as we all grow closer to one another and ever more intimately entwined in the real business of serving God's people in a suffering world.
Let Canada and TEC do what they will with their provinces and consciences. Let them make no demands of the pre-modern societies, in which polygamy and animism are still realities on the ground, that require that those provinces agree with the provinces of the modern and emerging worlds about matters of scripture and the movement of the Holy Spirit among them.
Let the African and other conservative members of the family tend to their own provinces and consciences. Let them make no demands of TEC and Canada that would require them to abandon their understanding of the Holy Spirit and Scripture.
Let's share what we share - delight in it, live it with thanks and gladness - and remain a family. And leave the rest to God.
Posted By: Laina | August 4, 2008 2:17 PM
As an Episcopalean, I applaud the Archbishop's reaffirmation of the 1998 Lambeth Conference's position on homosexuality. Agreeing with the revealed Word of God does not mean that we cannot or do not love those in the homosexual or lesbian lifestyles, just as we continue to love all men and women because none of us is without sin. Calling a sin what it is allows a person to seek repentence and healing from his or her Creator and Redeemer. Without repentence, there is no opportunity for healing. We can and do love the sinner and hate the sin; we must agree with God Who made us both male and female. Robinson broke holy covenant with his marriage before he chose homosexuality. He has done everything in order to justify his own actions without thought of the pain he has caused in the part of the Body of Christ called the Anglican Communion.
Posted By: Caroline | August 4, 2008 2:38 PM
TEC gives the impression worldwide it is only about gays and lesbians. I am sure this is not true. One way towards building up confidence and bringing back many who are leaving the TEC would be for TEC to have a major drive towards teaching the apostolic faith and a major promotion of Christian marriage - one man and one wife living faithfully together. Lets hear Presiding Bishop Schori on such matters.
Posted By: Rt Revd John Hayden | August 4, 2008 3:55 PM
Bottom line is the rampant clericalisim in both the North American Communions and the African Provences have created a self-destructive arrogance that they are right and the rest of the communion does not understand the leading of the Holy Spirit. What ever happened to the richness of the Via Media and the true involvement of trained laity who were respected for their theological insights and unique gifts in the governance and councils of the church??
Posted By: Br. James Aidan, FOCD | August 4, 2008 5:32 PM
I don't think Tim has forgotten anything. He's the evenhanded reporter who submitted this report. But your comments are otherwise well taken. The incredible, shrinking ECUSA willfully violates the clear conscience of the Communion and then its well-monied anti-intellecual crowd attempts to pin the blame on the dispossessed third world bishops. You gotta give them points for their chuzpah.
Posted By: Briane | August 5, 2008 7:32 AM
Are any of you familiar with the AMIA (Anglican Mission in America) or the Gafcon conference held in Jerusalem this past June?
Posted By: Daniel Townsend | August 5, 2008 12:53 PM
For what it's worth, I suspect it was to the posting of Cal Roberts that Steve was addressing his comments. Tim's name was above the comment, but it is the name below to whom comments belong.
Posted By: John | August 5, 2008 2:22 PM
I am a seminary student, and quite curious as to where in the Bible it says that homosexual behavior is part of God's plan. Perhaps you can answer me that question? I will be eternally grateful.
Posted By: Kevin Snyder | August 5, 2008 3:01 PM
Gregory Peterson: Your post displays the typical confusion of categories advocates of homosexual behavior have cleverly used for several decades. It reduces humanity to our sexual preferences -- far from the complete human being described in Scripture.
Homosexuality is not a 'state of being'. Rather, it is a chosen behavior. One's being is not 'gay'; rather one may be drawn to engage in homosexual actions. One either CHOOSES to engage in such behavior, or to not engage in it. Such behavior is prohibited to those who profess to be disciples of Christ. It's that simple and that difficult.
Posted By: Pete | August 7, 2008 8:26 PM
The whited sepulcher that is the Episcopal Church is rotting from within, and the C of E has become a paper tiger. Having starved themselves of the nourishment of God's Word, and leaving their First Love, they have grown diseased and weak, and now are being devoured by the evil one.
Posted By: Ken | August 8, 2008 8:20 PM
In answer to Ken Snyder's very reasonable question: the answer is that the Bible very specifically condemns homosexual behaviour because this kind of behaviour is the very antithesis of the character and nature and purposes of God! We were made to be in God's image, holy, righteous, pure and the marriage bed undefiled! It will be the lot of those who choose to live the unnatural, ungodly homosexual life, and those who choose to promote it as being "normal", that God's wrath and judgement will descend upon them if they do not repent! The devil has wormed his way into the Anglican Church with just one purpose ... to destroy it, and as far as I can see he's well on his way!
Posted By: John Burgess | August 8, 2008 11:06 PM
Why is accepting homosexuality even an issue for debate. Scripture calls it a sin worthy of death. You either believe the Word of God or you don't. It's not open to opinions. God has already stated His position on the matter.
I am trying to help a gay man (dying with AIDS) who believes he can be a gay Christian. He can't accept the fact that God has established a standard of conduct. I explained that it's one thing to lapse back into sinfull ways, but to think those ways are acceptable before God is simply not the case.
The world wants us to accept everything... believing that there is no wrong, no sinfulness. They don't understand the concept of "love the sinner, but hate the sin."
God have mercy on us all. Were it not for His grace, I would be hellbound with the unbelievers.
Posted By: David | August 9, 2008 3:07 PM
Gay and Lesbian rights (Homosexual rights) are a human rights issue which is accommodated in the United Nations Charter, I suppose. In the past 30 years or so there have been powerful Femininist movements (for women's rights); and I guess their power has somehow diminished, I don't know for sure. But now to push homosexual rights into the church and make them hold there is something which I cannot understand. In the Bible homosexual behaviour has been forcefully condemned each time it was mentioned. Posted by William Dogani, August 11, 2008
Posted By: Dr. William Dogani | August 11, 2008 3:05 AM
For better or for worse, the issue of homosexuals in the church has already been decided, and not by us. Get thee to a local young adult hangout - a youth group, mall, theater, sports arena or Facebook (Heavens!). Ask them if they think much, if at all, about the issues of "gays in the church". To them, most of who have peers who are gay, it's simply a non-issue. It's about as big a problem as someone having glasses or tattoos. Seriously. This is the reality that will impact the church when your generation is buried / forgotten in nursing homes.
The most important truth to grasp onto is that God isn't surprised by any of this, nor does our foolishness mean his grace is less, for those that seek it.
Next up: Genetic engineering. Wheee! :D
Posted By: Joe Chip | August 11, 2008 3:52 PM