The report further noted that “to adopt the current version would mean changes to both the Constitution and Canons which would significantly alter our current understanding of what it means to be an autonomous province.”
While the executive council remained committed to “continuing engagement in thoughtful dialogue within the Anglican Communion around issues that may be divisive,” it could not “recommend adoption of the covenant in its present form.”
But interestingly 815 is eager to invent ways to read and bring before GC actual changes to the Constitution and Canons that alter the historic and current understanding of what it means to be an autonomous diocese.
Do as I say…?
Well, I personally was blind sided by this one. I’m, like, totally schocked.
[blockquote] “to adopt the current version would mean changes to both the Constitution and Canons which would significantly alter our current understanding of what it means to be an autonomous province.†[/blockquote]
It would appear that the writers of the statement were unable to read this portion of the Anglican Covenant. Emphasis added.
[blockquote](4.1.3) Such mutual commitment does not represent submission to any external ecclesiastical jurisdiction. [b] Nothing in this Covenant of itself shall be deemed to alter any provision of the Constitution and Canons of any Church of the Communion, or to limit its autonomy of governance. [/b] The Covenant does not grant to any one Church or any agency of the Communion control or direction over any Church of the Anglican Communion. [/blockquote]