Update: here is the text of the official communique. See next item above.
First news report seen is from Reuters: Anglican conservatives urge US break away. Two quotes:
“We are convinced that time has now come to take initial steps towards the formation of what will be recognised as separate ecclesiastical structure of the Anglican communion in the USA,” said a statement released at the end of a Global South meeting in the Rwandan capital Kigali.
“We understand the serious implications of this determination but we believe that we would be failing in our apostolic witness if we do not make this provision for those who hold firmly to a commitment to historic Anglican faith.”
and:
Posted by Simon Sarmiento on Friday, 22 September 2006 at 3:37pm BST | TrackBackThe conservative bishops also vowed not to recognise Presiding Bishop-elect Katharine Jefferts Schori, who backed the Robinson elevation, at a meeting in Tanzania next year
Bishop Schori was elected to head the U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion and will be installed later this year as the first woman to head any branch of the Anglican church.
The Global South bishops said they would chose another bishop to represent the U.S. Episcopal church at the meeting.
So now the "Global South" gets to say who ECUSA's primate is?!
Posted by: Davis d'Ambly on Friday, 22 September 2006 at 3:54pm BSTIt's a little outrageous to condemn KJS for her inability to represent this church before she's already taken office. There's absolutely no basis to exclude her from the Primate's Meeting. The suggestion is outrageous.
This is a way to sneak Bob Duncan in through the back door. I can't believe it will succeed.
"So now the 'Global South' gets to say who ECUSA's primate is?”-- Davis d'Ambly
Only when hell freezes over!
A comment on my blog from obadiahslope, heard here on occasion, caused me to reflect on "catholic order." This statement, with the statement from the meeting of self-selecting "Windsor-compliant" bishops in Texas shaped the post significantly.
We have spoken of the Global South Primates as "Puritans," meaning usually the 20th century meaning of "morally reactionary." However, it seems to me they are more like 17th Century Separatists. These 21st Century Separatists are also seeking to remake the Anglican tradition to suit their own understanding. The biggest difference between 17th Century and 21st Century Separatists is some respect for historic episcopate. However, looking at the paragraphs in covenant and theological education, it is clear that catholic order and historic episcopate have only instrumental value. They are clearly not, for these Primates, representative of the unity of the church in and of themselves.
The Texas statement (available at the Episcopal News Servce) is more ambivalent and ambiguous. That suggests less hope for that group, than some sense that that group is not cohesive or homogeneous.
I have in the past argued for patience, for efforts at reconciliation. It seems, however, that some are not interested. "Can two walk together unless they have agreed?" Well, yes, actually; two can walk in parallel without agreement. However, two can't agree unless both are prepared to walk together.
Posted by: Marshall Scott on Friday, 22 September 2006 at 8:50pm BSTDavis
It's a foolish precedent. :-(
Posted by: Cheryl Clough on Friday, 22 September 2006 at 9:56pm BST"So now the 'Global South' gets to say who ECUSA's primate is?!
Even Archbishop Rowan hasn't done that. I do wish we could learn who of those at the Kigali meeting signed the communique.
Lois Keen
Posted by: Lois Keen on Friday, 22 September 2006 at 11:02pm BSTAnd of course, the CofE is going to get women bishops
Seems like Williams the Spineless may have to sit back and watch others taking his job. Perhaps then he may regret his betrayals and weakness. Or even learn to recognise them or face up to them.
Posted by: Merseymike on Friday, 22 September 2006 at 11:32pm BST