Bishop Pierre Whalon, who is Bishop of the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, has written an article which is published at Anglicans Online.
You can read it at Covet a covenant?
…The Covenant Design Group tried their best to satisfy the demands of those who wanted to restrain local provinces from actions that would disturb, as well as those who insisted on maintaining complete independence. In that sense, the document is interesting, and I maintain that the process of discussing its proposals throughout the Communion is healthy for us all.
However one frames it, the Covenant does provide a mechanism for eventually determining who is “in” and who is “out.” Do I want, say, the Diocese of Sydney “in” or “out”? Based on what? Their peculiar ecclesiology, which lies well outside the usual range of Anglican options? Their desire to have lay people presiding at the Eucharist under certain conditions? That it often seems to be too much of a family affair? What benefit would there be to them and the rest of us in ostracizing them? Or any Anglican church you think has placed itself outside the pale?
Also, the weekly front page essay at Anglicans Online is about the Covenant. You can also read that over here (permalink).
We decided it was a two-letter night. Like to read about the Covenant, to be voted on this week by the Church of England? See the left side.
If you’ve had quite enough of the Covenant, have a look at the right side.
If you’ve had quite enough of the Covenant, have a look at the right side.
I’m definitely in that category. However, I think the right side was about the covenant too, in a stealth-fighter sort of way.
The comment from the medical doctor explains why so many thoughtful people move to the Episcopal Church, from other denominations and religions. It is exactly on target.
“However one frames it, the covenant does provide a mechanism for eventually determining who is ‘in’ and who is ‘out’. Do I want, say, the Diocese of Sydney ‘in’ or ‘out’? Based on what? Their peculiar ecclesiology, which lies well outside the range of Anglican options? Their desire to have lay people presiding at the Eucharist under certain conditions? That it often seems to be too much of a family affair? What benefit would there be to them and to the rest of us in ostracising them? Or any Anglican Church you think has placed themselves outside the pale? –… Read more »