"Jane Williams, wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury - top Wah - explains that she prefers the moniker to the alternative of Waps (wives and partners), because "partner" cannot identify someone as heterosexual and married."
Later in the article she comments that so many people are praying for Rowan.

I hope she knows that many of us praying for Rowan and for all the bishops are those who would love to see a future where Wah has to be replaced by Wap, and where people aren't identified and categorised as anything other than Christians.

"Signed by the archbishops of Nigeria, West Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and the Southern Cone, who between them represent half of the world's Anglicans...."

First of all, a nitpick--if there are more than two of them, it's not "between them," it's "among them." Has the Queen's English fallen this far?

Secondly, there's that old bugaboo of mine--if the vast majority of the Anglicans of those provinces have no say in choosing these leaders (and they don't), then these leaders do not "represent" them.

"Pageflakes", a site to which I was directed from Kendal Harmon's T19, gives a fine, catholic overview of reports on Lambeth.

http://www.pageflakes.com/anglicanfeedbag/

I suppose we now all expect to read rather extraordinary stuff from Ruth – and with the Primer (not intended for human eyes!) and now the old story of Prof Norman Doe’s long work on what Cannon Law there is to be found in common within the Communion (5th element!) we see that we are not to be disappointed.

The quote of the day is I suggest this startling comment on Rowan Williams which runs:

“The impression of an indecisive man wringing his hands in futile despair is not entirely false. The picture is multilayered.”

It is so good to know that Ruth has the man so carefully analysed – and is willing to share these deep insights with all. But remember Ruth doesn’t think those she so lightly dismisses should hold her to account for what she says or find her objectionable as a consequence, oh no!

I see there is a new Primate who has foolishly chosen to “turn his back” on La Gledhill, I am sorry for the poor creature – he probably just saw some crazed women shouting at him through a fence and thought better of it. But he ought to know that when the last Presiding bishop of TEC’s minder pushed her guy along ignoring Ruth and her questions there began a venomous hate campaign ……..

But that said, Riazat Butt seems to be in a new world, where did she get these remarks from:
“and the Americans are left calling the shots and, boy, are they doing it with gusto.”
And:
“Not content with bringing a battalion of pro-gay lobbyists to the sprawling University of Kent campus, the efficient US episcopal machine is also churning out daily - informal - briefings on what the mood is like and what is being said by whom. Think of it as a bishop a day keeps the schism away.”

Where is the “battalion” and the last I knew the “US Episcopal machine” had nothing to do with either bringing us and our friends or (sadly) paying for them to be there. Indeed those selling space at the “Marketplace” for several thousand pounds a throw have been out there encouraging “gay lobbyists” like us and trying to get our money for nearly a year.

I am surprised she has come out with such tosh, even this is not so:
“Bishop Gene Robinson is not invited, but he is coming anyway,”
I had thought her capable of more accurate reporting.

Please, one day, can there be an Archbishop of Canterbury's wife who does not write a book about being ABC's wife?

I agree, Martin, that in her over-the-topness you quoted, Ms. Butt does not seem to be up to her usual high standards.

*****

"Jane Williams, wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury - top Wah - explains that she prefers the moniker to the alternative of Waps (wives and partners), because 'partner' cannot identify someone as heterosexual and married."

What a pity Mrs. Williams never learned the virtue that, if you have nothing constructive to say, just keep one's mouth CLOSED. :-X

Lord have mercy!

Well GAFCON might not be attending, but their lobbying continues. The Anglican Communion can take small comfort in knowing that they now share the fate of the Catholic Church. They now have a descendant that claims to have the true lineage back to Jesus and will be the only church that their Jesus will recognise when he returns to slay the rest of Creation. Of course, there will need to be a theological program and sermon training to ensure the new ministers are able to convince their parishioners that they are the only remaining holy order on this planet.

"Jane Williams, wife of the Archbishop of Canterbury - top Wah - explains that she prefers the moniker to the alternative of Waps (wives and partners), because 'partner' cannot identify someone as heterosexual and married."

What a pity Mrs. Williams never learned the virtue that, if you have nothing constructive to say, just keep one's mouth CLOSED. :-X (JCF)

So speaking in favour of marriage has nothing constructive about it, has it? I shudder at the mentality that could make a gripe like this. I also wonder how it tallies with the oft-repeated assurance that promoting homosexual unions need not undermine standard heterosexual marriage.

Maybe Mrs. Williams should be ABC instead of her husband? - oops!

The statement in Sunday's Guardian from Bishop Tom Wright equating the consecration of Gene Robinson with the invasion of Iraq is not not likely to contribute to a spirit of harmony and cooperation for the conference. Can't somebody put a mussel on that man!

But three of the GAFFEPRONE signatories are at Lambeth IIRC. West Africa, Tanzania and Southern Cone are all there.

And I'm thinking that the timing of this screed's release might be a touch uncomfortable for them.

That's assuming they ever signed off on it. At least one commentator is suggesting (based on I don't know what evidence) that thhe signatory primates may have had very little to do with this document - and some may not even have seen it before release.

Gafcon could hardly have mistimed their ungracious comment more ineptly.

Ruth must be rather frustrated hanging round the fringes and unable to imagine the spiritual fest other than as a political fray.

In fact, Conger is still busily at the GAFCON propaganda masked as "objective journalism" game. His latest offering "The crack-up of the Anglican Communion hand, evangelicals say" was published yesterday in Christianity Today. "'I don’t have great expectations" for Lambeth, Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh said" ........ "The pleas for dialogue at this stage rang false, Bishop Venables said" ....... "The crack-up of the Anglican Communion is at hand, evangelical bishops .. tell Christianity Today" ..... "...many of the American bishops are not seeking preservation of the status quo but are lobby [sic] for approval for perform gay marriages and elect further gay bishops".

"While Williams has been able to salvage past pan-Anglican gatherings from collapse ..... In past international gatherings, Dr. Williams has been able to avert a crack up by resorting to calls for forbearance to conservative leaders."

"Avert a crack up by resorting to calls for forbearance to conservative leaders"? Objective journalism?

http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2008/07/crack_up_of_ang_1.html

Mr Conger appends the recent GAFCON "response" to the ABC to this piece, in full and without comment.

>>>At least one commentator is suggesting (based on I don't know what evidence) that thhe signatory primates may have had very little to do with this document

Sounds like Minnsinola is at it again.

"So speaking in favour of marriage has nothing constructive about it, has it? I shudder at the mentality that could make a gripe like this."

That's a radically innovative reading of my "text", Dan.

Still, I made ya shudder---so maybe I (w/ a holy boost from the Holy Ghost) did something right? ;-/