From Interfax News Agency
“…The introduction of the institution of female bishops will lead to the elimination of even a theoretical possibility of the Moscow Patriarchate recognizing the church hierarchy of the Anglican Church, the communications service of the Department for External Church Relations reported on Saturday.
“I would like you to know about that and take our opinion into account when this issue arises again,” Metropolitan Hilarion said.
Metropolitan Hilarion also said he is hoping Justin Welby will firmly defend the traditional biblical understanding of marriage as a union between a man and a woman “to prevent secular society from forcing on the Church of England the recognition of some forms of cohabitation which were never considered marriage by Christian churches…”
Ecumenical dialogue at its best. Axios!
“The introduction of the institution of female bishops will lead to the elimination of even a theoretical possibility of the Moscow Patriarchate recognizing the church hierarchy of the Anglican Church, the communications service of the Department for External Church Relations reported on Saturday.
“I would like you to know about that and take our opinion into account when this issue arises again,” Metropolitan Hilarion said.
…
“Welby responded by saying he appreciates the comment, adding that the position of the Church of England on the issue of marriage is absolutely clear and it has recently confirmed that marriage is a life-long union between a man and a woman.” ”
Ahh, Anglican Fudge is being rendered. No doubt ABC Welby’s RECONCILIATION FUDGE will allow for “the diversity of expressions of understanding in both the episcopacy and marriage” whilst continuing to ignore the requests. Of course, he may wish the CoE and the former AC to continue kowtowing to Kate&Kompany; and formally come under The Episcopal Coterie (which at last triumphalist proclamation contaminated 16 countries).
I think Welby will find that the Russian Church does not share the Anglican taste for fudge.
Good to see this Orthodox Church bearing a strong witness for the truth. The more voices directed at the CofE from the wider Church, the better.