As we prepare for conversations about sexuality at General Synod it is very clear that people favour conversation and discernment over resolution and debate. Many hope that our discussions will be marked by a capacity to hear one another’s perspective and to appreciate the diversity of settings in which the pastoral and sacramental ministry of the Church is desired. My own hope is that we will emerge from the Synod with an honest statement of where we are in our continuing discernment.
Personally I am both challenged and heartened by a comment made by the Pastoral Visitors in their report to the Archbishop of Canterbury, “General Synod will, indeed, be a watershed, both for the Anglican Church in Canada, and for its wider relations within the Anglican Communion. At its worst it could lead to internal anarchy. At its best it could help us all to appreciate and practise a properly Christian style of inclusiveness. … Our distinct impression was that if the Anglican Church of Canada could find a way through this current impasse, it could well become a vibrant model of the kind of renewed Christian community that has much to teach the wider Church.”
In the service of God’s mission I believe the Holy Spirit is blowing through the churches and calling us to deeper partnership.
Canadians are nice, aren’t they? Anyone got a clue what he is saying?
I’m sure the Holy Spirit is blowing in some churches in Canada, but in many others it’s the “Spirit of the age” that’s blowing, and that’s not just a lot of hot air.
[blockquote]Our distinct impression was that if the Anglican Church of Canada could find a way through this current impasse, it could well become a vibrant model of the kind of renewed Christian community that has much to teach the wider Church.[/blockquote]
Apparently he does not believe the ACoC has anything to learn from the wider Church.
[blockquote]Becoming more and more welcoming, diverse, and inclusive?[/blockquote]Innovation anyone?
Pageantmaster, If you can’t understand what your cousins are saying,then what hope do we have here in the good old U.S. of A.?
Now what does this mean: “…it is very clear that people favour conversation and discernment over resolution and debate.” Endless process without any resolution?
#3 Dcn Dale
I come from a country where we practice reading between the lines as an art form. Most Canadians I know are clear and direct, but this is Hiltz-speak. But granted that he is not the sharpest mitre in the box, one assumes that he is trying to communicate something, but what is it? Thank you for picking out a few clue words.
And they may be our cousins, but they are also your “me too” little brothers.
The other question is which of Rowan’s “Pastoral Visitors” made this daft comment:
[blockquote]”General Synod will, indeed, be a watershed, both for the Anglican Church in Canada, and for its wider relations within the Anglican Communion. At its worst it could lead to internal anarchy. At its best it could help us all to appreciate and practise a properly Christian style of inclusiveness. … Our distinct impression was that if the Anglican Church of Canada could find a way through this current impasse, it could well become a vibrant model of the kind of renewed Christian community that has much to teach the wider Church.”[/blockquote]
Given that ACoC’s membership and attendance figures have, like TEC’s gone down the pan, led by Quebec, Huron and New Westminster, what possible grounds are there for such a stupid comment?
Does Hiltz thinks that he can spin this to encourage Synod to do what they like. Do you think he might find anything in the other Archbishop’s recent video comments to encourage them in this line of thought….if that is indeed what Hiltz is saying?
I think it is probably that traditional Anglican North American practice of speaking out of both sides of your mouth at the same time.
#6. Pageantmaster,
It appears to me that Hiltz is exercising an ACoC kind of faith. He is calling things that are not as though they were in order to prime the pump of change. The “me to” part you refer to had better allow for an adequate percentage of “local content” per Canadian law.
Oh dear, I appear to have had so many close encounters with TEC bishops that I think I understand what Hiltz said. If my translation is correct, what he said is:
“The ACoC is going to continue to expand gay marriage and the blessing of same sex unions AND we will be signing the Covenant. It is our intention to spread our gospel of inclusiveness to the far reaches of the church, aided by the Covenant that will bring sanctions against those churches that refuse full communion with us. The ABC’s episcopal visitors are on board with the plan, or at least have filed a report in sync with the JSC 2007 report to the Primates on TEC compliance with Windsor. We get to have our cake and eat it too.”
Or something along those lines.