News and views out of Lusaka, ACC-16, are of interest.
While all may not be well with the Anglican Communion during the first part of the 21st century, it does seem to be in better shape than some rumours would have it.
Notably, TECian +Ian Douglas, heeding the general situation, has decided not to allow himself to be nominated as Chair of the ACC Standing Committee.
+Josiah Idowu-Fearon has made some statements (here, here, and here) which suggest that, far from ACC-16 heading down a divergent path from the Primates' Meeting, there is coherence between the two meetings and thus some semblance of possibility that the bulk of the Communion is going to "walk together".
The third of the links to Idowu-Fearon's statements is particularly interesting as it implies a TEC which has a new found resolve to treat conservatives within its life well.
" there is coherence between the two meetings and thus some semblance of possibility that the bulk of the Communion is going to "walk together". - Dr. Peter Carreell -
ReplyDeleteAnd is that not the internal reality of intentional Christians, that they should 'bear one another's burden' and seek to keep the 'Unity of the Spirit' in the bonds of peace and love?
Differnece is already structured in God's Creation. Surely we are meant to celebrate and not denigrate that which is the given of our lives?
I, too, Peter, am glad that TEC's Bishop Ian Douglas has sought to take 'the humbler path', and not seek pre-eminence at the ACC. May this be an object lesson for those in GAFCON who seem to want to take over world Anglicanism. Scenes from ACC 16 are indeed hopeful.
Christ is Risen, Alleluia!. He is Risen indeed, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Perhaps with such a strong ally in the ACC chair, TEC doesn't need to hold that position themselves?
ReplyDeleteI am heartened to see a slightly less agressive approach from TEC. Perhaps they could show a true change of heart by stopping all current legal proceedings against bishops, congregations and dioceses who are leaving TEC over theological differences?
"Perhaps with such a strong ally in the ACC chair, TEC doesn't need to hold that position themselves?" - Andrew Reid -
ReplyDeleteWell, at least, Andrew, this does prove that there are African voices in ACC that are not so aggressively anti-gay as the GAFCON lot.
Regarding your comment about legal proceedings being made by TEC against its schismatics; surely this is something that was prompted by the schismatic elements insisting on their putative 'right' to hang onto the property they would like to alienate.