Posted on 10/18/2003 12:48:49 PM PDT by ahadams2
REV. CANON DR. BILL ATWOOD FROM LONDON
I just got off the phone with one of the major London newspapers. The religion editor said, "At first we didn't think much had happened, but as we have digested the statement we have come to realize it is a massive victory for the conservative position. Do you agree with that assessment?" I do.
Having been in conversation with primates before, during, and after their meeting, let me explain a few things.
The commitments of the primates at this meeting are Biblical, Christian, and good.
It is not a waffle, sell-out, or liberal victory. Not surprisingly, these mature leaders of millions used diplomatic language, but the message is clear if read. Sometimes things in England are complex.
For example, at the place where I am staying, one has to take the lift to the fourth floor in order to get to the third floor.
Here are just some of the victories:
>> John Peterson was not included in the deliberations.
>> The Lambeth Conference commitment to scripture was affirmed.
>> Homosexual practice is rejected.
>> They clearly stated that teaching of the church cannot be changed unilaterally ECUSA and New Westminster are WRONG
>> Primates have accepted a role of enhanced oversight
>> ADEQUATE Episcopal Oversight is in place in consultation with the ABC ON behalf of the primates (That means it is not up to Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold or Archbishop Michael Peers to decide what it adequate.)
>> New Westminster was specifically addressed.
>> A commission was established, but it is not to discuss sexuality, it is to work through legal issues of entanglement and disengagement.
In pressing for Adequate Episcopal Oversight (which means "with jurisdiction") the primates adopted a new structural direction for the communion that will help mission. (Moving beyond geographical jurisdiction.) These things are huge and historic. The mechanisms are being put in place to insure a future for those who maintain Anglican faith and practice. OK, it is not finished yet, but steps had to be designed that took into account the advice of the canon lawyers who said the Primates could not do "anything" about discipline.
What the Primates wound up saying is basically, "Yes we can. We have established the limits of diversity. When ECUSA exceeds that, they will be excluded from the communion. The lawyers are working out the details." That is what the commission is really about.
It is sad that some conservatives are so spring loaded to be negative that they cannot see encouragement even in the middle of an historic victory. If you were expecting the headline, "Anglican Primates conduct armed assault on 815:Bodies of liberals litter Second Avenue," you were no doubt disappointed. It took thirty (plus) years to get into this mess. It will take a while to get out of it, but the way has been established. Our faith has been affirmed. The Scriptures set the limits. We have Primate supervised Alternative Oversight while the mess is being worked out.
A commission is working on legal issues of re-structuring. When ECUSA consecrates Gene Robinson, separation will follow formally.
There is a new day for the Anglican Communion. Some are seeing it emerge now.
It probably won't make any difference to those who are committed to being negative, but the facts are that none of the people who are here in London from the AAC or conservative perspectives think it is a defeat.
Do you think that those who are at a distance are in a better place to discern what has happened? The commitment of the Primates is strong. The liberal agenda has been rejected. The Scriptures are the norm. We have a bright future. Structures are being put in place to protect precious resources. Damn. What a failure.
Bill+
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Dr. Bill Atwood General Secretary Ekklesia PO Box 118526 Carrollton, TX 75011-8526 +1 (972) 446-2267 +1 (972) 446-1511 FAX Visit our web site at: www.ekk.org
Any issue that causes my former parish to endure the resignation of the Priest as well as the Senior and Junior Wardens is something different from that which came before.
Yeah, I expected a bit more strong language to be used.
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