THE BISHOPS of Chester, Chichester, Exeter, and Rochester issued a statement on Tuesday in support of the Rt Revd Robert Duncan, the Bishop of Pittsburgh, after the warning letter sent to him by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Dr Katharine Jefferts Schori.
She wrote to Bishop Duncan on Wednesday of last week, asking him to lead his diocese “on a new course that recognises the interdependent and hierarchical relationship between the national Church and its dioceses and parishes” (see above).
If his course did not change, she wrote, “I shall regrettably be compelled to see that appropriate canonical steps are promptly taken to consider whether you have abandoned the Communion of this Church . . . and whether you have committed canonical offences that warrant disciplinary action.”
The English bishops’ statement, which was instigated by the Bishop of Rochester, Dr Michael Nazir-Ali, read: “We deeply regret the increase in the atmosphere of litigiousness revealed by the Presiding Bishop’s letter to Bishop Duncan. At this time, we stand with him and with all who respond positively to the Primates’ Dar es Salaam requests. We hope the Archbishop’s response to Bishop John Howe of Central Florida will also apply to Bishop Bob Duncan of Pittsburgh.”
The Bishop of Chester, Dr Peter Forster, said on Tuesday that the statement gave personal support to Bishop Duncan. He described the Presiding Bishop’s letter as “aggressive, inappropriate, and unfortunate”. “They are acting as if it is the OK Corral. This is the North American culture: it is a managerial rather than a pastoral approach.”
Quite right too! He was treated abysmally and bandied alongside someone on a totally different charge in order to make an appearance of fairness and evenhandedness.
Shame on KJS
Quote of the Week goes to the Bishop of Chester, Dr. Peter Forster, ” “They are acting as if it is the OK Corral. This is the North American culture: it is a managerial rather than a pastoral approach.”
Whatever happened to St Rumpelstiltskin of the Eyebrows? you know, the funny guy who used to dress up like something out of Dostoevsky. If memory serves he seemed to be in charge of Canterbury a few years ago, then became invisible – maybe retiring like St Seraphim to his rock in the forest? Does anyone know what happened to him?
For me I continue with prayers for the ABC and the very difficult job he has, and have not lost confidence in him.
But yes – the lawyers’ letters to Bishops Duncan and Iker are disgraceful.
It looks like the chances of holding Lambeth next year are getting more fragile. By then the Episcopal church will have inhibited a good number of bishops, and each ‘unjust’ {depending which side of the fence you are on} pastoral action is generating more public support from sympathetic worldwide bishops and moving people from the centre to take sides. Now we just need some public statements from other worldwide bishops who support Schori’s actions, and this split is going to end up spreading through every province of the communion. That would not be good for either side. Its time to get around the table and negotiate a settlement before this escalates even further. Every worldwide bishop needs to send that message now, and state it publicly, and pressure each side to make that move. Lets see some faith in action! Show the world publicly that Christianity means something. Where are the peacemakers in this? Why are they silent? There is a compromise that can be worked out here.
[blockquote]Where are the peacemakers in this? Why are they silent? There is a compromise that can be worked out here.[/blockquote]
There can be no peace with sin, which is why those who truly hold the Faith will not brook a compromise with it. Concessions to sin will never bring a lasting peace, but instead will beg even more deplorable concessions as each compromise will take one farther and farther from the Truth.
The Peace of Christ upon all who take up the Cross and follow Him.
What about Bishop James Jones of Liverpool or Peter Broadhurst? Do they support this letter too?
The question can be re-phrased as:
“Why can’t a white shirt make a compromise with mud? Surely they can both live together peacefully!”
Yes, but then the white shirt will no longer be a WHITE shirt any longer.
There is a framework for compromise – the Dar communique and its “pastoral scheme.” If +Shori et. al. had accepted it and implimented it, then these actions by +Duncan, +Iker, et. al. would not be necessary
YBIC,
Phil Snyder
When there’s no wiggle left in the room, you see its true shape.
Some very interesting developments here. First Gomez’s comments, then Akinola’s letter, then Venables’ offer, and now this statement by four CoE bishops. Note that in three of the four instances, the actors have been those thought to be close to Rowan Williams (Gomez and Venables amongst the primates, and CoE bishops).
Many believe that Rowan Williams was at the very least complicit with the JSC attempt to give TEC a pass on Windsor. But TEC’s continued aggression suggests that the liberal Achilles Heel of Arrogance will once again serve to unite the moderates against TEC, and will push moderate Anglican leaders towards Akinola and away from TEC and its JSC allies.
I am guessing that Rowan Williams is not a happy camper right now. He knows he’s got a big decision to make, but its one he really wishes would just go away. His hope that the JSC report would win out has been dashed. He faces losing not only the Communion but a significant portion of his own CoE. Time to put that fiddle away, big fella!
#2 – [i]Quote of the Week goes to the Bishop of Chester, Dr. Peter Forster, “ “They are acting as if it is the OK Corral. This is the North American culture: it is a managerial rather than a pastoral approach.†[/i]
Which is ironic, since this is what +Williams is constantly being criticised for not being by ‘reasserters’, who would rather have ‘strong’ managerial, rather than ‘weak’ pastoral, leadership from him – as if he was a CEO. A charge of there being a ‘managerial’ North American culture can be laid at both doors.
The problem, #12, is that we are getting neither pastoral nor managerial responses from ++Rowan.
OK Corral (shootout) – Peacemakers (.45 Colt six guns) I hope this present church flap doesn’t develop into a shooting war.
Kendall must be on a plane or something not to have this posted:
‘Realignment’ of Anglican Communion underway
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article2843228.ece
“Four US diocesan bishops met Bishop Venables and his bishops at his episcopal headquarters in Buenos Aires in August to discuss the plan. Bishop Venables met Dr Williams in London in September where they discussed the proposal. ”
Hmm, i don’t recall seeing that until now. That’s Iker, Duncan, Schofield and Ackerman I presume….
[i]Which is ironic, since this is what +Williams is constantly being criticised for not being by ‘reasserters’, who would rather have ‘strong’ managerial, rather than ‘weak’ pastoral, leadership from him – as if he was a CEO.[/i]
I believe most reasserters are not asking the ABC to be a strong manager. What we have hoped for is a strong pastor.
One doesn’t manage sheep. One leads them.
We have reached the point in the AC where bishops and provincials of any province feel free to criticize the actions or support the actions of bishops and provincials of other provinces. The whole situation is getting ridiculous. A Time Out is badly needed for the sake of the Communion.
Bob from Boone
Whether we like it or not what happens in one province affects another; it affects our witness both with other Christians and non-Christians and can assist or hinder our mission. This is what happens when we do not walk together.
Regards
We have reached the point in the AC where bishops and provincials of any province feel free to criticize the actions or support the actions of bishops and provincials of other provinces.
And this would differ from the history of the Church Catholic in what way? (I am thinking, for example, of the period between the first and the second Ecumenical Councils.)