Buying Time
The Anglican Communion special meeting has been held and nothing of any consequence has yet occurred. Midwest Conservative Journal has a review of the statement. Ecumenical Insanity has a post based on a BBC report. Here's the whole statement.
A quotes strikes me from an outsider's point of view:
If his consecration proceeds, we recognise that we have reached a crucial and critical point in the life of the Anglican Communion and we have had to conclude that the future of the Communion itself will be put in jeopardy. In this case, the ministry of this one bishop will not be recognised by most of the Anglican world, and many provinces are likely to consider themselves to be out of Communion with the Episcopal Church (USA). This will tear the fabric of our Communion at its deepest level, and may lead to further division on this and further issues as provinces have to decide in consequence whether they can remain in communion with provinces that choose not to break communion with the Episcopal Church (USA).
It is vague, yet carries an undertone of grave concern. It does not come to the breaking point, but tells all concerned that the breaking point is near.
Another significant quote:
Therefore, as a body we deeply regret the actions of the Diocese of New Westminster and the Episcopal Church (USA) which appear to a number of provinces to have short-circuited that process, and could be perceived to alter unilaterally the teaching of the Anglican Communion on this issue. They do not. Whilst we recognise the juridical autonomy of each province in our Communion, the mutual interdependence of the provinces means that none has authority unilaterally to substitute an alternative teaching as if it were the teaching of the entire Anglican Communion.
On an international scale this may be the paragraph that will speak for most world-wide denominations. What one Diocese, Synod, Province, Conference or Distirct does can have world-wide impact. In connectional/denominational systems we are not a bunch of independent entities. We have roots and branches. As the scope and center of world-wide Christianity moves clearly to the "south" (Southern Hemisphere/Developing World) we will find increased concern over these issues. The Moravian Church faced a similar situation last summer and the world-wide Unity did something quite similar to what came from England today. Bought time. But it may not be enough for any of us. I am told by many on both sides of the issue that it will not go away. We have perhaps moved beyond the point of no decision. We may perhaps be on the edge of some major realignments along theological lines instead of geographic or historic lines.
At least for the next two weeks, the greater Anglican communion has spoken. Will Gene Robinson become a Bishop on November 2? That is the next question. The ball is back in the ECUSA's court.
As always may we pray that the will of God be done for His glory!
