Strident language

After the meeting, the statement released by the Commission said that it was saddened that tensions within the Communion, "exacerbated by the use of strident language", have continued to rise in recent months. "The Commission requests all members of the Anglican Communion to refrain from any precipitate action, or legal proceedings which would further harm 'the bonds of communion' in the period while it completes its work. Mission and ministry, including prayer for unity, remain the priorities."

Earlier this month, 14 Primates of the global South offered their support to a new network of conservative Anglicans in ECUSA. They included the Most Revd Drexel Gomez, Archbishop of the West Indies, who is a member of the Commission.

The Commission set up small working groups to study five key topics: issues of process in the Anglican Communion; the nature and purposes of communion; the obligations of communion; authority; and the role of the instruments of unity in preserving fellowship. It also considered the work of previous commissions, including that chaired by Dr Eames on women bishops.

The Commission is to report back by the end of September after two further meetings.