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'This page will be updated regularly with news from the Lambeth Conference.
Last update: August 28, 2008
Archbishop of Canterbury's post-Lambeth pastoral letter to bishops
Proposed 'retrospective' moratorium
Lambeth Conference summarizes its thoughts
Primate expresses 'frustration' that Canadian church's voice hasn't
been heard at Lambeth hearings
No consensus yet on sexuality, but bishops make 'significant step forward'
'We are really, truly talking to one another,' says Toronto bishop
Bishops, spouses hold joint session: Lambeth looks at abuse of power
against women
Photos available from Canadian-led Lambeth Eucharist
In an age of fear, let us be agents of hope,' chief rabbi urges bishops
Archbishop of Canterbury's post-Lambeth pastoral letter to bishops
ANGLICAN COMMUNION NEWS SERVICE
AUGUST 26, 2008 -- As the Lambeth Conference of 2008 comes to an end,
I want to offer some further reflections of my own on what the bishops
gathered in Canterbury have learned and experienced. Those of you who
have been present here will be able to share your own insights with
your people, but it may be useful for me to add my own perspectives as
to where we have been led.
For the vast majority of bishops, it seems, this has been a time when
they have felt God to have been at work. The Conference was not a time
for making new laws or for binding decisions; in spite of the way some
have expressed their expectations, Lambeth Conferences have never
worked straightforwardly in this way. The Conference Design Group
believed strongly that the chief need of our Communion at the moment
was the rebuilding of relationships - the rebuilding of trust in one
another - and of confidence in our Anglican identity. And it was with
this in mind that they planned for a very different sort of
Conference, determined to allow every bishop's voice to be heard and
to seek for a final outcome for which the bishops were genuinely able
to recognize an authentic account of their own work.
I believe that the Conference succeeded in doing this to a very
remarkable degree - more than most people expected. At the end of our
time together, many people, especially some of the newer bishops, said
that they had been surprised by the amount of convergence they had
seen. And there can be no doubt that practically all who were present
sincerely wanted the Communion to stay together.
But they also recognized the challenge in staying together and the
continuing possibility of further division. As the proposals for an
Anglican Covenant now go forward, it is still possible that some will
not be able to agree; there was a clear sense that some sort of
covenant will help our identity and cohesion, although the bishops
wish to avoid a legalistic or juridical tone. A strong majority of
bishops present agreed that moratoria on same-sex blessings and on
cross-provincial interventions were necessary, but they were aware of
the conscientious difficulties this posed for some, and there needs to
be a greater clarity about the exact expectations and what can be
realistically implemented. How far the intensified sense of belonging
together will help mutual restraint in such matters remains to be
seen. But it can be said that few of those who attended left without
feeling they had in some respects moved and changed.
We were conscious of the absence of many of our colleagues, and wanted
to express our sadness that they felt unable to be with us and our
desire to build bridges and restore our fellowship. We were aware also
of the recent meeting in Jerusalem and its statements; many of us
expressed a clear sense of affinity with much that was said there and
were grateful that many had attended both meetings, but we know that
there is work to do to bring us closer together and are determined to
do that work.
The final document of Conference Reflections is not a 'Report' in the
style of earlier Conferences, but an attempt to present an honest
account of what was discussed and expressed in the 'indaba' groups
which formed the main communal work of the Conference by the
Reflections Group. But although this document is not a formal Report,
it has a number of pointers as to where the common goals and
assumptions are in the Communion. Let me mention some of these.
First, there was an overwhelming unity around the need for the Church
to play its full part in the worldwide struggle against poverty
ignorance and disease. The Millennium Development Goals were
repeatedly stressed, and there was universal agreement that both
governmental and non-governmental development agencies needed to
create more effective partnerships with the churches and to help the
churches increase and improve their own capacity to deliver change for
the sake of justice. To further this, it was agreed that we needed a
much enhanced capacity in the Communion for co-ordinated work in the
field of development. Our Walk of Witness in London and the memorable
address of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom formed a powerful
focus for these concerns. And the challenge to every bishop to
identify clear goals for developing environmentally responsible
policies in church life was articulated very forcefully indeed:
information was provided to all about how the 'carbon footprint' of
the Conference itself might be offset, and new impetus given to
careful and critical self-examination of all our practices. We were
reminded by first-hand testimony that the literal survival of many of
our most disadvantaged communities was at risk as a result of
environmental change. This enabled us to see the issue more clearly as
one of justice both to God's earth and to God's people.
Second, on the controversial issue of the day regarding human
sexuality, there was a very widely-held conviction that premature or
unilateral local change was risky and divisive, in spite of the
diversity of opinion expressed on specific questions. There was no
appetite for revising Resolution 1.10 of Lambeth 1998, though there
was also a clear commitment to continue theological and pastoral
discussion of the questions involved. In addition to a widespread
support for moratoria in the areas already mentioned, there was much
support for the idea of a 'Pastoral Forum' as a means of addressing
present and future tensions, and as a clearing house for proposals
concerning the care of groups at odds with dominant views within their
Provinces, so as to avoid the confusing situation of violations of
provincial boundaries and competing jurisdictions.
Importantly, it was recognized that all these matters involved serious
reflection on the Christian doctrine of human nature and a continuing
deepening of our understanding of Christian marriage. A joint session
with bishops and spouses also reminded us that broader moral issues
about power and violence in relations between men and women needed
attention if we were to speak credibly to the tensions and sufferings
of those we serve.
Third, there was a general desire to find better ways of managing our
business as a Communion. Many participants believed that the indaba
method, while not designed to achieve final decisions, was such a
necessary aspect of understanding what the questions might be that
they expressed the desire to see the method used more widely - and to
continue among themselves the conversations begun in Canterbury. This
is an important steer for the meetings of the Primates and the ACC
which will be taking place in the first half of next year, and I shall
be seeking to identify the resources we shall need in order to take
forward some of the proposals about our structures and methods.
The Conference was richly blessed in its guest speakers, who all
testified to their appreciation of the Anglican heritage, while asking
us searching questions about how flexible and creative our
evangelistic policies were, about the integration of our social
passion with our theology and about the nature of the unity we were
seeking both within the Anglican Communion and with other Christian
families. Our many ecumenical representatives played a full and robust
part in all our work together and we owe them a considerable debt.
Finally and most importantly of all, we were held within an atmosphere
of steady and deep prayer by our Chaplaincy Team. The commitment of
the Conference members to daily worship was impressive; and this has
much to do with the quality of that worship, both in moments of
profound quiet and in exuberant celebration. It mattered greatly that
we were able to begin with a period of retreat in the context of
Canterbury Cathedral; the welcome we received there was immensely
generous and we all valued the message clearly given, that this was
our Cathedral, and that all of us were a full part of the worshipping
community that had been here since Augustine came to Canterbury in 597.
I know that all present would wish me to express thanks once again to
all who planned and organized the Conference, to those who composed
the Bible Studies, those who devised and monitored the work of the
indaba groups and all others who served us so devotedly in all sorts
of ways - not least the Stewards, whose youthful energy and commitment
and unfailingly supportive presence gave all of us great hope for the
future. Thanks to all of you - bishops and spouses - who attended, for
the great commitment shown and for the encouragement you have given
each other.
But together we give thanks to God for his presence with us, his
faithfulness to us and his gifts to our Communion. As was said in the
closing plenary session, we believe that God has many more gifts to
give to and through our Communion; and we ask his grace and assistance
in teaching us how to receive what he wills to give. "He who supplies
seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your
seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." (2
Cor. 9v10)
Your servant in Christ
+Rowan Cantuar:
The Lambeth Conference reflections document may be found at:
http://www.lambethconference.org/reflections/document.cfm
Proposed 'retrospective' moratorium means New Westminster will be asked to withdraw all same-sex blessings, says Windsor Continuation Group member
MARITES N. SISON
STAFF WRITER
Aug 1, 2008
Canterbury, England
A member of the Windsor Continuation Group (WCG) has stated that the body's proposal for a "retrospective" moratorium on same-sex blessings means that dioceses such as Vancouver-based New Westminster "will be asked to reconsider and withdraw that right."
The words "retrospective moratorium", which has the potential to affect a number of Canadian dioceses, has caused confusion among Canadian bishops attending the decennial Lambeth Conference here. Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, said this, along with other proposals put forward by the WCG, was a matter that the house of bishops and the Council of General Synod - the church's governing body between General Synods - would have to discuss.
Bishop Victoria Matthews, a member of the WCG and bishop of the diocese of Christchurch, New Zealand, said with the retrospective moratorium, "it isn't just from here on there will be no new ones..."
She also said that the conference was merely being asked to "engage" with the proposals, which would then be taken to the Anglican Consultative Council which will meet in Jamaica in 2009.
To read the rest of the story, please visit the Anglican Journal Website, http://www.anglicanjournal.com
Lambeth Conference summarizes its thoughts in Reflections document
Bishops address social justice, the environment, poverty, ecumenism
MARITES N. SISON
STAFF WRITER
Aug 4, 2008
Canterbury, England
While much attention has been given to how the world's Anglican
bishops, who gathered here for their once-a-decade conference, have
sought ways of mending relationships fractured by deep divisions over
homosexuality, there were a host of other life and death global issues
that preoccupied them.
The 670 bishops ended their Lambeth Conference here with a 42-page
document, entitled Reflections, which they called a "narrative" that
seeks to "describe our lived experiences and the open and honest
discussions we have had together..."
In it, aside from addressing issues around human sexuality and unity,
the bishops expressed their views on ecumenism, human and social
justice, the environment, relations with other world religions,
strengthening Anglican identity, and issued statements of solidarity
to people around the world who are in situations of conflict.
Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, said
that the conference had, as a whole, been "consistent" with the theme
of equipping bishops as leaders in mission. "The mission of the church
in the world was a really major focus, particularly in the first half
of the conference," he said in an interview with the Anglican Journal.
"We talked about everything from evangelism to our work with other
churches to things like the Millennium Development Goals." He said
that the discussions that bishops had showed "a church very much
engaged with the suffering and hope of the world."
To read the rest of the story, please visit the Anglican Journal
Website, http://www.anglicanjournal.com
Primate expresses 'frustration' that Canadian church's voice hasn't
been heard at Lambeth hearings
MARITES N. SISON
STAFF WRITER
Aug 1, 2008
Canterbury, England
Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, has
expressed "frustration" that the Canadian church has not been given an
opportunity to present its situation with regards to the blessing of
same-sex unions during hearings conducted by a body formed to
determine the next course of action for the Anglican Communion to
salvage its fractured unity.
Archbishop Hiltz, who is attending the once-a-decade conference of the
world's Anglican bishops here, said that it would be "a huge
challenge" to merge what has been happening in bishops' discussion
groups, calledindaba, with what the Windsor Continuation Group (WCG)
has been recommending as the way forward for the Communion.
"I think what we're running into is a kind of difficult rubbing
between theindaba process which has been in large measure very
conversational, very relational" and the work of the WCG, which is
"seeking to find structures and procedures whereby we can remain in
communion with one another," said Archbishop Hiltz. "How the two can
interface for the well-being is a huge challenge at this moment."
In an interview with the Anglican Journal, Archbishop Hiltz said, "The
frustration that I have and I think other Canadians have is that I
asked point blank in the second session around the Windsor
Continuation Group for Canada to be heard in this conference." He
added, "My understanding of a hearing is obviously different from
their understanding of a hearing. My understanding is if you're going
to have a hearing, you sit and listen and you allow a church, a
province to tell its story. What I said in the hearing was, will you
please accord to the province of Canada the same courtesy that was
extended to them at the ACC meeting in Nottingham?"
To read the rest of the story, please visit the Anglican Journal
Website, http://www.anglicanjournal.com
No consensus yet on sexuality, but bishops make 'significant step forward'
'We are really, truly talking to one another,' says Toronto bishop
Marites N. Sison
staff writer
Jul 31, 2008
Canterbury, England
The world's Anglican bishops today said they have not "reached a consensus" on what to do about the controversial issue of human sexuality that has bitterly divided them, but "a very significant step forward" has been made in terms of "listening" and "trying to understand" each other's diverse opinions.
"Where we go from here remains to be seen... but there are good signs at this stage," said Archbishop Philip Aspinall, primate of the Anglican Church of Australia and official spokesperson of the Lambeth Conference. He noted that bishops have yet to discuss other issues related to human sexuality that are equally divisive, such as proposals for a common Anglican Covenant.
"You might be surprised to hear that we haven't suddenly reached consensus. The problems haven't been solved," said Archbishop Aspinall. However, he said, there has been a different "tone of engagement" with the issue compared to the last conference in 1998. "Ten years ago, people were distressed at some of the reactions to some of the things that were said. There were occasions when bishops actually booed and hissed what other bishops said in the gathering; 2008 is dramatically different." He said that in his own indaba group "bishops from both ends of the spectrum on this issues actually embraced each other and thanked each other for helping them understand better what was at stake in the issues."
A conservative primate, who chairs the Council of the Provinces in Africa (CAPA), meanwhile, said that he has promised to be "a bridge" to bishops and primates who have boycotted this once-a-decade conference to dramatize their opposition to more liberal views on homosexuality.
"We've been given a process to have a voice... I have to say that we've been able, from all sides of the spectrum, to do it," said Archbishop Ian Earnest, who is primate of the Indian Ocean. He is also an active participant of the so-called Global South movement that has strongly opposed the ordination of a gay bishop in The Episcopal Church in the U.S.A. and the blessing of same-sex unions in the Vancouver-based province of New Westminster. "My experience has been exciting and challenging. I and bishops of the Global South have expressed our convictions clearly but with generosity...with respect to the other. We have listened intently and carefully to the challenges of our bishops within their own context."
The diocesan bishop, Colin Johnson, who was also asked to speak at the press conference, characterized the discussions around human sexuality as one of "respect, mutual generosity and trust." He added: "We felt in the conversations that we've had that we're engaged in a common mission, and that it's more important than the things that separate us, and things do continue to separate us."
All three - Archbishops Aspinall and Earnest, and Bishop Johnson - rejected the idea that the conference was sidestepping having to address the divisions over sexuality by merely engaging in discussions.
To read the rest of the story, please visit the Anglican Journal Web site, www.anglicanjournal.com
Bishops, spouses hold joint session: Lambeth looks at abuse of power
against women
MARITES N. SISON
STAFF WRITER
Jul 29, 2008
Canterbury, England
Bishops and their spouses attending the Lambeth Conference held a
joint session Tuesday to discuss what a Maori Anglican theologian
called a "grave, grave issue" that has not been addressed enough by
the Anglican Communion - the abuse of power and violence against women.
"One of the things that went into the planning early on was this issue
of how power is used and abused within the church and the world and
(how it) was something we wanted to address together," said Jane
Williams, who is married to the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan
Williams and who led the planning of the spouses' conference. "What it
says is 'here's an area where bishops can listen and learn from
spouses'."
Dr. Maria Akrofi, a medical doctor who is married to the primate of
the Church of the Province of West Africa and bishop of Accra,
Archbishop Justice Akrofi, told a press conference that rape and
domestic violence are rampant in many parts of the world, including
Africa. She talked about how rape has been used as an instrument of
war in areas where there is conflict.
To read the rest of the story, please visit the Anglican Journal
Website, http://www.anglicanjournal.com
Photos available from Canadian-led Lambeth Eucharist
On July 29, members of the Anglican Church of Canada led the morning Eucharist for the Lambeth Conference, the gathering of all Anglican bishops in Canterbury, England. Throughout the conference, which runs from July 16 to Aug. 3, different regions have taken turns leading the 7:15 a.m. communion service. Take a look at the online photos to see members of the Canadian church who participated (see link below).
Most of Canada's bishops and their spouses are attending this once-a-decade conference. The Primate Archbishop Fred Hiltz, and National Indigenous Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald are attending, as well as the Ven. Paul Feheley, principal secretary to the Primate, who is working in external communications. Two members of General Synod's Faith, Worship, and Ministry department are providing organizational support: the Rev. Canon Alyson Barnett-Cowan, director of Faith, Worship, and Ministry, and Dr. Eileen Scully, coordinator for ministry and worship. Beth Baskin, public engagement coordinator, also represented the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund for part of the conference.
Several Canadian bishops are keeping up colourful blogs while at the conference. To read these and find out more information on the event, visit General Synod's Lambeth hub (see link below).
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View photos from the Canadian-led Lambeth Eucharist:
http://www2.anglican.ca/lambeth/cdneucharist.htm
Visit General Synod's Lambeth news hub:
http://www2.anglican.ca/lambeth/index.htm
In an age of fear, let us be agents of hope,' chief rabbi urges bishops
MARITES N. SISON
STAFF WRITER
Jul 29, 2008
Canterbury, England
Sir Jonathan Sacks, chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregation of
the Commonwealth, Monday night urged Jews, Christians and other faith
communities to show the world another facet of religion - not one of
conflict but of hope and blessing.
Too often, religion has shown the world conflict - "between faiths,
and sometimes within faiths," said Rabbi Sacks, who spoke on "the
relationship between the people and God" at the Lambeth Conference.
In an open forum after his speech, Rabbi Sacks urged Anglican bishops,
who have been bitterly divided over the issue of human sexuality, to
"hold together for the future". "The Anglican Communion has held
together quite different strands of Christian theology and practice
more graciously and successfully than any other religion I know."
To read the rest of the story, please visit the Anglican Journal
Website, http://www.anglicanjournal.com
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