We are disappointed and deeply concerned, however, that the bishops' statement does not address critical issues in the task of repairing the situation of torn communion. We find it difficult to understand how this statement in fact honours the spirit and intent of the call for a moratorium set out in the Windsor Report (§ 144) and confirmed in the Primates' Communiqué (§ 14) for a moratorium on "all such public Rites" for the blessing of same sex unions.

After months of public ecumenical consultations and unpublicized intrigue after the 2003 General Convention, Bishop Griswold resigned as ARCIC co-chair on Nov. 29, 2003. In issuing the invitation for Bishop Griswold to attend, a spokesperson for Seattle Archbishop and ARCIC co-chair Alexander J. Brunett said Bishop Griswold's contribution to "this important aspect of Christian faith" was "substantial" and therefore his presence seemed appropriate.

The new pontiff has already made clear his primary concern for restoring full Christian unity, telling cardinals on the day after his election that he would spare no energies in that endeavor. He acknowledged that this would require more than "good sentiments," but rather "concrete acts that enter souls and move consciences."

The Canadian bishops also announced that they would not honour the request that they voluntarily refrain from sending delegates to the upcoming Anglican Consultative Council meeting in Nottingham in June 2005. Their delegation will "set out the thinking behind the recent actions of their Provinces, including the diversity of views on the matter of the blessing of same sex unions."