So, heading into this meeting TEC’s bishops were aware that if the necessary reassurances were not given they risked being disciplined, possibly even suspended from the Anglican Communion. Equally though, it’s patently obvious that there is no real desire to pull back from the course they have charted for themselves. Most observers predicted that what would emerge from this meeting would be a form of words which would be enough to satisfy the majority of the Communions Primates that TEC is seeking to comply with their wished, whilst at the same time giving themselves enough ”˜wiggle room’ to continue as before. And that’s exactly what they have done.
And another perceptive insight at the end:
[blockquote]To conclude. Has the Episcopal Church done enough to escape discipline the Anglican Primates? in reality no – they have not; but in this case we are dealing not so much with reality, but the perception of reality, and I feel that a significant number of Primates of the Communion, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, needing the US, and feeling a sense of loyalty to TEC will feel that TEC’s bishops have done as much as they were able to do, and that will be enough. And sadly, I fear such a response will lead to further tears in the Communion and within The Episcopal Church of America itself.[/blockquote]
I think that is right.
I agree — this analysis sadly may end up proving to be correct. I think people too often look at the stand of the Global South and assume that this will sway the whole of the Communion. It is time for much more prayer.
A profound split of the AC is avoidable – IFF the ABC acts appropriately to place TEC in an associate vice constituent status. Based on past behavior of the ABC, I consider the above prediction by Anselmic more likely – and the ABC will have to accept responsibility for his actions.
Once there is a profound split, does anyone think it will end in peaceful stability? There may be splits within other provinces, as well as continued loss of provinces from the Canterbury communion, as it embraces greater and greater innovation.
The only “positive” response of the HoB was stating that B033 applied to homosexuals. Thus, while B033 exists there won’t be any more VGR’s. But given the overwhelming consensus that the usurpers have, B033 doesn’t stand a chance in GC 2009. That’s less than 2 years. Electing bishops takes time. The only one that might be affected in the lesbian candidate for the bishopric of Chicago (and maybe not even her because they might elect her say the tried to exercise restraint but just couldn’t help what they did).
So this “positive” is a pittance.
Thanks for the plug Kendall. Wow who would have thunk it, my own post on T19! I feel all growed up.
You might be interested to know you sent my daily hit rate from between 3-10 a day, through to 218 in about an hour, such is the power of T19.