The paper proposing the Faith and Order Commission arose out of the July 23 hearing. In addition to proposing a new instrument of unity, the provisional paper released today also questioned the usefulness of the Anglican Consultative Council as it is currently configured.
“There are questions about whether a body meeting every three years, with a rapidly changing membership, not necessarily located within the central structures of their own provinces, can fulfill adequately the tasks presently given to it,” the paper stated. “Not all believe that a representative body is the best way to express the contribution of the whole people of God at a worldwide level. There are many ways in which the voice of the whole body can be heard: diocesan and provincial synods, networks, dialogues and commissions.”
The concluding work of the Windsor Continuation Group will involve trying to come to some consensus about where the bishops as the Lambeth Conference think the Anglican Communion should be headed. Archbishop Handford cautioned against expecting an immediate solution by the end of this conference.
“This isn’t a quick fix,” he said. “Dialogue is [the] key.”
Does this mean that the Anglican Consultative Council might go away?
The proposal for a new “faith and order commission” adds yet another layer of complexity and dialogue to an Anglican communion already drowning in a sea of words. Even before such a “fifth instrument of unity” could come into being, endless discussions, modifications, and compromises would likely render it to be ineffective – as was the previous “panel of reference”.
An honest reflection upon the Anglican crisis can not help but conclude that radicle differences in core beliefs and practices are firmly established, whether conservative or liberal in nature. The compromise required to reconcile these differences is so great as to essentially eliminate the very foundation of faith
adhered to, regardless of which camp you find yourself in.
Instead, of battling it out for the next two decades with endless reports, commissions, panels, and conferences. All should agree to part company with grace and civility. Mutually agreed upon separation in this manner would maintain a viable Christian witness to the world, and allow all to maintain the integrity of their respective beliefs. This is the only sensible Christian solution.
Final thought: As for the need for the church to have an effective central authority to adjudicate in matters regarding doctrine and practice, this could never be more clear or certain. From the start the church has entrusted those appointed to the highest levels of leadership to fulfill this task. Such a council should be convened from among the Archbishops as soon as possible.
Until we are willing to be honest with ourselves, and with others, the trainwreck will only grow larger.