| Windsor
Report Initial report
From
the Press Conference on the release of the report from the Lambeth
Commission.
18
October 2004
The report of the Lambeth
Commission chaired by Robin Eames was released at lunchtime today.
(By David Phillips, present at the press conference)
The report is available to download from:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/windsor2004/index.cfm
The report covers considerable ground but the key parts are in
Section D:
This Section is full of typical liberal speak. Those who institutionalised
immorality are lumped together with those who sought to care pastorally
for those scandalised by it: 'All have acted in ways incompatible
with the Communion principle of interdependence.' Para 122.
It calls for a moratorium on action, 'until some new consensus
emerges in the Anglican Communion.' Para 134.
ECUSA is invited to give a theological justification for their
action and the report refers to those provinces 'engaged in processes
of discernment regarding the blessing of same sex union.' Para
145.
It speaks of 'an openly acknowledged same gender union' implying
that if it is secret it is less of a problem. Para 129.
The report is very thin on real action. 'Very careful consideration'
is to be given to inviting Bishop Gene Robinson to certain gatherings.
ECUSA is asked to express regret but regret that the 'proper constraints
of the bonds of affection were breached.' Para 134.
There is no call for repentance and it is not stated how any expression
of regret will be assessed nor what will happen if ECUSA refuses
to do this.
Until such an expression of regret is made ECUSA is asked to voluntarily
remove itself from the central bodies of the Communion.
The report addresses the issue of alternative oversight for those
who cannot accept the actions in ECUSA and Canada. It appears
to condemn those who have taken action to provide such oversight
and says that the initiative must come form the erring bishops.
Although there are some good statements in the report, overall
it is
extremely disappointing and will do nothing to heal the divisions
created by the liberals.
David Phillips, General Secretary, Church Society
END.
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