It is the Quadrilateral that sets out the basis of our belief. It is the Marks of Mission that set out the objects of our action.
The Instruments of Communion are much less important. They’re about, simply, organisation. They set out how we relate.
They are: first, the Lambeth Conference of Bishops which first occurred in 1867. Second, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in post-reformation form from the 1530s and going on developing, but in origin from 597 AD. Third, the Anglican Consultative Council from the 1960s and fourth the Primates’ Meeting from the late 1970s.
The Instruments have grown and changed over the years. They’ve responded to changes caused by wars, colonialism, decolonizing, corruption and failure, heresies and schisms, technological and scientific advance. They have never had the character of Synods with either doctrinal or ethical authority over the Communion, but they do have moral force.
But history shows us that when times change, so must the Instruments of Communion. The post Second World War era is ending. It is collapsing around us, as we sit here.
The international order is ending. Wars and technological destruction are growing. Climate change is increasing. The power of international bodies like the UN is failing. Commerce and modern economics is losing the fight to grow faster than the populations and to meet increasing needs.
Not least because of human selfishness. The future of this world, the world in which we live, the world in which the church lives, is for shaping.
It may be wonderful and generous particularly if the 2 billion Christians act as one, declare the beautiful, support the generous, love one another. We can play our part as the Anglican Communion. A crucial part. That is God’s call. Bless. Be a blessing to the world around us.
“The task of the church has been, since the first Pentecost, to declare the marvellous works of God and to call people to live out their trust in Christ.”
Archbishop Justin Welby gives his Presidential Address at the start of #ACC18.#AnglicanCommunion pic.twitter.com/C9oQ73Sl6F
— Anglican Communion (@AnglicanWorld) February 12, 2023