ICAOTD is deepening and consolidating its work on a joint study of the theological riches, in Scripture and our traditions, of the understanding of the nature of the human person, created in the image and likeness of God. From this understanding flow many implications which are of particular importance to our world today. These relate directly to human rights, ecology, the environment and agricultural practices, and the questions that arise around the ethics concerning the beginning and the end of human life, the nature and relationship of man and woman, technology, and the constant warfare that plagues many parts of the globe. At this meeting the Commission developed a framework for its fundamental theological work on the question of the human person.
In the course of their discussions and in intercessory prayers members of the Commission were made aware of the violation of human rights taking place in many parts of the world, and expressed great concern.
Meanwhile, back in LaLaLand. What position is the Anglican Communion with its current Lambeth-centered leadership, which cannot even clearly articulate its own theology, in to engage in discussing it in relation to that of other churches?
I see the Anglican delegation is led not by one of the majority world Anglicans, but by the Archbishop of Perth followed by a troop of palefaces. Total disconnect with what is going on, although I hope they had an interesting time and a nice chat with our cousins from the East.
[blockquote]Representatives of the Anglican Communion
The Most Revd Roger Herft of Perth
The Anglican Church of Australia, Co-Chairman
The Revd Dr Timothy Bradshaw
The Church of England
The Most Revd Richard Clarke of Meath & Kildare
The Church of Ireland
The Revd Canon Jonathan Goodall
Archbishop of Canterbury’s Representative
The Revd Deacon Dr Christine Hall
The Church of England
The Rt Revd Michael Lewis of Cyprus & The Gulf
The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & the Middle East
The Revd Dr Duncan Reid
The Anglican Church of Australia
The Revd Canon Professor John Riches
Scottish Episcopal Church
The Rt Revd John Stroyan of Warwick
The Church of England
The Revd Canon Dr Alyson Barnett-Cowan [my note: from Canada]
Co-secretary
Mr Neil Vigers
Anglican Communion Office Staff[/blockquote]
Laughable if it wasn’t so sad.
What a contrast with the authority of the representatives of the majority of the Communion who were in talks with China on behalf of the Global South Provinces and by virtue of that, on behalf of the overwhelming Anglican constituency:
[blockquote]Most Rev Dr John Chew – South East Asia
Most Rev Henry Luke Orombi – Uganda
Most Rev Dr Mouneer Hanna Anis – Jerusalem and the Middle East
Most Rev Justice Ofei Akrofi – West Africa
Most Rev Bernard Ntahoturi – Burundi
Most Rev Nicholas Dikeriehi Okoh – Nigeria
Most Rev Stephen Than Myint Oo – Myanmar
Most Rev Hector Zavala – Southern Cone
Most Rev Eliud Wabukala – Kenya
Most Rev Onesphore Rwaje – Rwanda
Most Rev Albert Chama – Central Africa[/blockquote]
Telling – innit?
What, no TEC Americans hiding in the delegation outlined in #1? Well, give it time–at least there’s a Canadian representing North American corruption; uh, interests.
I’m increasingly of the view that the central AC bodies are structurally racist. This dialogue is amongst the most extreme (not a single non white Anglican present and even if all the non-white Anglicans had been able to attend they would have formed just 20% of the Anglican delegation). Can it get any more token?
Re #3
Bookworm,
Most of the Orthodox Churches have formally or informally severed all ecumenical contacts with TEO. Inclusion of a representative from TEO might have derailed the discussions. Too bad they didn’t send one.