The Times, unaccountably, gave the Williams excerpts the title 'Do the
Anglicans need a Pope?' - a question the archbishop, understandably,
does not ask. Dr Williams's own chosen title gives more of a clue to the
contents. He is in search, not of an Anglican identity, but of 'Anglican
Identities'. They are by no means the same thing.
Let me first say that what follows is my personal commentary as
President of FIFNA. It is not a Council statement. The Council is
scheduled to meet February 11-13, at which time Bishop Duncan plans to
be with us, as well as representatives from other Anglican
jurisdictions. I would expect that the Council will make a corporate
statement at the end of our meeting about the Network, and upon other
areas of concern and development.
The Network is Launched The first meeting was the convening session of the new Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes (NACDP). The network charter, theological statement, and purposes can be found on the AAC website: www.americananglican.org. The Network will provide oversight and support for congregations all over the U.S. in dioceses where invited by parishes.
Read moreUNEQUALThe first case concerns Cheryl Clark, a former lesbian, now a Christian. Clark's former partner, Elsey McLeod, sued for joint custody of Clark's adopted daughter after Clark left their relationship. The judge ruled in McLeod's favor on the grounds that she had been a "psychological parent." As Clark's lawyer, James Rouse, stated, McLeod "is being treated like a divorcing spouse even though they aren't and can't be married in the state of Colorado.
Read moreI struggled with the undeniable sense that, while we are strong and vital, we had lost. We lost a thirty-year struggle to prevent the Episcopal Church from going over the cliff.
Now the deed is done. Same-sex blessings will become commonplace throughout the Church, supported by majority vote of General Convention. And a divorced man living in a homosexual relationship is now a consecrated bishop in the Church - by majority vote.
Read moreThere are two points of paramount importance to me and, I trust, to us all.
1. The Charter makes very clear that the Network “shall operate in good
faith within the Constitution of The Episcopal Church” (Article I). At
no time was the suggestion made or considered that the Network would
work outside the Constitution of the Episcopal Church.
I have been clear that I do not intend to leave the Episcopal Church. I cannot condone any congregation of this diocese acting to leave the Episcopal Church even though I know that individuals who are deeply troubled by the actions of our Church may find it necessary to join other ecclesial communities.
Read moreSurrounding the creation and establishment of the {AMiA} has been charge and countercharge, innuendo, deceit, treachery, gossip, backbiting, lawsuits, and more. Substitute just about any initiative of value that you'd like in between the braces { } in the sentence above, and chances are it will still be true. To prove this point, and for fun, gather a roomful of Roman Catholics and Orthodox folks, and say out loud, "Henry VIII is the beloved founder of our Church."
Read moreAt the gathering of clergy you convened this past fall at Christchurch School to discuss the actions of General Convention 2003, I made clear to you all my understanding that the Episcopal Church no longer holds the teaching of the Christian Faith that it had received, thus making void the vow of ordination that I, and all Episcopal clergy, have taken.
Read moreAfter this, there should be no doubt that there is now an open split between
the liberals and the conservatives in the 450-year old Anglican Communion.
The unprecedented move taken by the Church of Uganda to protest the installation of gay American bishop Gene Robinson, is the biggest jolt to hit the communion since Robinson became the head of the New Hampshire diocese.
Read more