CANTERBURY EUCHARIST SPARKS OUTRAGE

Anglican Mainstream leaders condemned Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold's presidency at a Eucharist in Canterbury Cathedral on March 2, 2004.

In a letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Dean, they wrote:

"A Eucharist should express unity—not serve as a propaganda tool in church politics."

"Inviting Bishop Griswold—chief consecrator of Gene Robinson, who ignored the Primates' pleas—to preside was highly provocative."

They raised four urgent questions:

How can someone who "tore the fabric of the Communion" be a "sign and focus of unity"?

Did the Archbishops of Canterbury and York authorize his ministry in England? (Required by canon law.)

Is this the start of a "softening-up" process for all Robinson consecrators?

Why was his presidency not announced in advance—breaking normal protocol?

"Silence about this action would be read as acceptance that, after November 2, it's 'business as usual.'"

"It is not."

Signed by leaders of Reform, Church Society, New Wine, and the Archbishops' Council.