jQuery Slider

You are here

Anglicans United says bonds of communion broken

Anglicans United says bonds of communion broken

By Todd H. Wetzel

October 18, 2004

Anglicans United & Latimer Press (successor to Episcopalians United) notes with regret that after the release of the Windsor report this morning, Presiding Bishop Griswold’s response might be summarized as follows: “We did what we did, despite your clear objection and we were right to do what we did. We are going to keep right on doing it, whether you like it or not. P.S. We love you. Let’s keep talking. “

Frank Griswold is at a meeting of the Primates Standing Committee. Did he resign from this committee as the Windsor Report gently suggested? No! He simply left the meeting, spoke for a recalcitrant and defiant ECUSA and returned to the meeting. There is portrayed the weakness of the Report. No one asked him to leave; no one as yet has called for his resignation from this vital committee or any other position.

It defies belief that he can ignore the first 145 paragraphs of the document and concentrate on paragraph 146, on the ongoing process of listening recommended in the last section of Lambeth Resolution 1.10. Obviously, he believes that those unconvinced now of the efficacy and blessedness of homosexuality, just need to be persuaded and ECUSA will be the handmaiden to the Communion by sending many around the globe to discuss and convert. I cannot overstress the tragedy of this conclusion.

However, the greatest difficulty with the Report is the difference between American “in your face” language and the British use of diplomatic language. The British say, “withdraw;” Americans say, “resign, now”. The British say, “careful consideration;” Americans say, “think again/change your position”. The British say, “should withdraw themselves;” Americans say, “you’re fired.”

A case in point is paragraph 134, where the Episcopal Church (USA) is “invited to express its regret…” and those who took part as consecrators “should be invited to consider in all conscience if they should withdraw themselves from the Communion…” We fear that the American House of Bishops will interpret this as being given a choice to reconsider - including the right of refusal to do so without any consequence.

This ministry, representing upwards of 1 million Episcopalians from 1987- present, in repeated conversations with Edmund Browning and Frank Griswold, warned both Presiding Bishops that to deal with human sexuality in a legislative manner would irreparably tear the fabric of the Episcopal Church. These conversations started in 1987 and continued through the 2003 General Convention. ECUSA’s leadership chose to reinforce a legislative process that by design could only produce triumphant winners and very wounded losers. Unfortunately, our words were prophetic.

The Report is thorough and comprehensive and will be a great service to the Anglican Communion. However, there is no indication that the bonds of Communion will include a wayward American Episcopal church or the defiant New Westminster Diocese or perhaps, even the African bishops and archbishops who, for whatever reason, have neglected the integrity of diocesan boundaries.

Todd H. Wetzel is Executive Director of Anglicans United & Latimer Press (formerly Episcopalians United)

1-800-553-3645

Subscribe
Get a bi-weekly summary of Anglican news from around the world.
comments powered by Disqus
Trinity School for Ministry
Go To Top