The Anglican Mission in England and the priorities of the Mother Church
By James Gibson
SANCTUS Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3sz8m4u
July 6, 2011
You really have to wonder about the priorities of the Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury when they issue statements like this . . .
A statement from Lambeth Palace
July 5, 2011
The announcement of the creation an 'Anglican Mission in England' prompts concern for a number of reasons. New mission initiatives are, as such, always good news; and the declared intention of the spokesmen for this new initiative to remain faithful to the structures of the Church of England is welcome.
However, it is not at all clear how the proposed panel of bishops relate to the proper oversight of the diocesan bishops of the Church of England. Nor is there any definition of what the issues are that might be thought to justify appeal to such a panel rather than the use of normal procedures.
Furthermore, the ordination of three English candidates to the diaconate in Kenya with a view to service in England is problematic. It is not clear what process of recognised scrutiny and formation has taken place and how, in the absence of Letters Dimissory (the relevant formal letters from the sponsoring bishop), they have come to be recommended as candidates for ordination by the authorities of another province.
The issue is one of episcopal collegiality. There needs to be some further discussion of this development between those involved and the diocesan bishops of the Church of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury has had the opportunity to speak with the Archbishop of Kenya about the situation: the good faith and fraternal good intentions of our Kenyan colleagues are not at all in question, but it seems that there were misunderstandings of the precise requirements of English Canon Law and good practice as regards the recommendation of candidates for ordination and deployment in mission. It is hoped that an early opportunity will be found to clarify what this new initiative seeks to achieve if it is truly to serve God's mission in the most effective and collaborative way.
. . . while considering "reforms" like this . . .
The Church of England has opened the door for a more liberal approach to same-sex relationships.
It will review whether current teaching on homosexuality should be relaxed and also rule on allowing gay clergy in civil partnerships to be bishops.
Leading conservatives warned that the Church would split if the bishops attempt to weaken its policy that active same-sex relationships are wrong.
While liberals argued that the position is untenable at present, they expressed disappointment that the Church announced it would ban gay clergy from becoming bishops until the review is finished next year.
Speaking on behalf of the bishops, the Rt Rev Graham James, the Bishop of Norwich, said the Church needed to update its attitude to clergy in civil partnerships from the last statement made in 2005, which did not clarify whether they could be made bishops.
"Contrary to popular perception the House of Bishops has spent very little time over recent years discussing homosexuality," he said.
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