Pastoral Letter
The vote in General Synod on the proposal for Women Bishops will have been a real shock to many in our parishes. This is not the time for rapid decision but rather to take counsel together. I will be calling a Lay Assembly in the Autumn so that together we can look at this matter as well as the implications of the Lambeth Conference. Be assured of my determination to continue to seek a common way forward for all of us and my commitment to our common life. I know many were shocked by the intolerance demonstrated by the majority towards our parishes. I was encouraged by the support of both Archbishops. As we take counsel together we need to pray for the Church.
Every Blessing,
–(The Rt. Rev.) John Broadhurst is Bishop of Fulham
It will be interesting to see which way Forward in Faith (UK) move as a result of the vote by General Synod and what does or doesn’t happen at Lambeth. I have heard almost no reaction from Bp Ackerman post GAFCON and since he plays such an important role in FiFNA it would nice to know how these things are playing in Peoria, or in his case Quincy. I have no doubt that some Anglo-Catholics in the U.K. will now book passage on the Trans-Tiberian Express, while others will stay-put, but could there be any likelihood that some will reach out to or be reached out to by GAFCON?
#1, Bishop Ackerman commented at considerable length on GAFCON in the FiFNA “letter from Jerusalem”
http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2008/07/03/a-letter-from-jerusalem/
Elves,
Thanks, I had glanced at but not read the article in full until now. As a Classical Evangelical I agree with the positions taken and also agree that it would be wise to have a moratorium on further women’s ordinations until things are sorted out with a New Province. I don’t know when Quincy has its next convention, so I thought they were keeping a low profile until then. I expect to hear more from Bp Ackerman before too long.
RMBruton–since the cathedral of the Diocese of Quincy [i]is[/i] in Peoria, your “playing in Peoria” comment works splendidly!
Quincy Synod is in November.