\u201cIt should be understood that the Archbishop\u2019s response to Bishop Howe was neither a new policy statement nor a roadmap for the future but a plain response to a very urgent and particular question about clergy in traditionalist dioceses in TEC who want to leave TEC for other jurisdictions, a response reiterating a basic presupposition of what the Archbishop believes to be the theology of the Church.<\/p>\n
The primary point was that \u201d\u201c theologically and sacramentally speaking \u201d\u201c a priest is related in the first place to his\/her bishop directly, not through the structure of the national church; that structure serves the dioceses. The diocese is more than a \u201d\u02dclocal branch\u2019 of a national organisation. Dr Williams is clear that, whatever the frustration with the national church, priests should think very carefully about leaving the fellowship of a diocese. The provincial structure is significant, not least for the administration of a uniform canon law and a range of practical functions; Dr Williams is not encouraging anyone to ignore this, simply to understand the theological priorities which have been articulated in a number of ecumenical agreements, and in the light of this not to increase the level of confusion and fragmentation in the church.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n