The problems for Dr Williams have come as he plays the role of leader of the Anglican communion. Those holding a minority view, still less mavericks, will always struggle in such a pivotal roles, as he himself will surely know.
Since taking over as archbishop, he has followed a studiously orthodox path when it comes to same-sex partnerships, along with much else. He feels he is obliged to explain the Church’s teaching on subjects, even if they may conflict a little with his own. A difficult position to be in ”“ the stakes are very high indeed, with the threat of an irrevocable schism ever present ”“ and one that we would do well to appreciate a little better.
If he has been unlucky in some of the battles he has had to fight, he has hardly been helped by fellow liberals: the North American churches’ decisions to push ahead with blessing same-sex unions has merely made the position more difficult for Lambeth Palace.
“The leak of letters written some time ago, however, merely underlines that conservatives are not going to let up the pressure on the archbishop.”
This seems to imply that “conservatives” are behind the leak of these letters (the views expressed in which are not at all new). How do they know this; on what evidence is the claim based?
God be merciful to me if some of my letters from 8 years ago surface!
Wouldn’t make a national stir but might upset some who are near and dear to me. I have moved on in my thinking in response to better information, surely the AbC has done the same?