The Archbishop of Canterbury warned this week that challenges in the Anglican Communion “will not go away”. Dr Williams was speaking after a majority of diocesan synods rejected the Anglican Covenant.
Last weekend, three more diocesan synods ”” Lincoln, Oxford, and Guildford ”” voted against the Covenant. Three others ”” BlackÂburn, Exeter, and Peterborough ”” endorsed it. This brought the total number of diocesan synods in favour of the Covenant to 15, and the total number against to 23.
Since a majority of dioceses have voted against, it will not return to the General Synod during this quinÂquennium (2011-15).
The rejection of the Covenant in England raises a fascinating issue. Does this mean that the Covenant is dead, or, if a majority of Anglican provinces ratify the Covenant, would it possibly mean theat England would no longer be in the Communion until they did? Obviously my question is somewhat tongue in cheek, but it raises the question (once again) of what Anglicanism is…is it simply all those in Communion with the Church of England? If so, they have a veto on everything…
I agree, Grant. This recent development in England keeps Anglicanism itself on the hook: Who are we? How are we organized and what does it mean? Who speaks for whom? We appear to be — more than ever — still on the hook for the failure of Church by “gentleman’s agreement.” By the way, congratulations on your upcoming enthronement. May God richly bless your ministry and supply your every need.