2. Where we would like to be: Towards a Way Forward
If we are to survive as an international family of Churches, then the Windsor Report’s suggestion of a shift of emphasis to ”˜autonomy-in-communion’ might yet require a further step to ”˜ communion with autonomy and accountability’ cf. recommendations in the Virginia Report of the International Anglican Theological and Doctrinal Commission and the Windsor Report. The covenant process is intended to bring the Communion to a point where its understanding of Communion is renewed and deepened. There are a number of fundamental questions which need to be answered.
i. Can we recognise the Church in another?
* Anglicans are currently failing to recognise Church in one another;
* We value independence at the expense of interdependence in the Body of Christ
* We denigrate the discipleship of others
* This has led to internal fragmentation as well as to confusion among our ecumenical partners
ii What is a Communion of Churches?
*Recovering a common understanding of what it means to be a global communion.
*A common understanding of the place and role of the Episcopal office within the sensus fidelium of the whole Church.
So, maybe I missed it, but where is the part that calls for a common Christian theology?
Common Christian theology is not believed to exist by most of the Western bishops, and they would not agree to comply with one if you could prove it!
Remember: Diversity, diversity, diversity…NOT obedience, obedience, obedience.
Are we at last beginning to see some [i]backbone[/i] appearing …?! And to further the Body metaphor: perhaps even some antibodies too!