The leaders of the Global South coalition of Anglican archbishops have written to the Bishop of South Carolina offering their prayers and support in his battle with the head of the American Episcopal Church, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
On 25 Oct 2012, Archbishop Ian Ernest of the Indian Ocean, and the Presiding Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East, Bishop Mouneer Anis of Egypt wrote to Bishop Mark Lawrence from Singapore, where they were attending the installation of the Rt. Rev. Rennis Ponniah as 9th bishop of the diocese.
“We were saddened, but not surprised, by the news of your inhibition and possible deposition by the TEC. We all want to assure you and the Diocese of South Carolina of our continuing prayers and support. We thank God for your stand for the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! We are proud that you are willing to suffer for the faith once delivered to the saints,” the archbishops wrote.
The leaders of the Global South don’t issue many press releases relating to the Western church, which is understandable – they have the oversight of millions of Anglicans in the developing world, and a vast mission field.
But when they do, their messages are invariably full of comfort and encouragement for the faithful. So it is with this message from two great and respected Anglican leaders: ++Ian Ernest and ++Mouneer Anis. A reminder to orthodox Anglicans in South Carolina and the USA generally that they are not alone, and the majority of Anglicans in the world support them and are praying for them.
Yes, all of us, both in DioSC and the ACNA, know that we’re not alone, and we thank God for the GS primates’ support. Schori and Company don’t like that, of course, but they know there’s nothing they can do about it.
And that’s what rankles them.