It is both a moral and pastoral responsibility to bring closure to a disciplinary issue for the sake of the flock. The nature, intensity and duration of the disciplinary response can be mitigated by various factors, but to fail to exercise them is a failure of pastoral leadership. Vicars of parishes know this only too well. There can be a lot of listening and pastoral understanding, but the continual viability of a community is dependent on the proper exercise of this moral and pastoral responsibility.<\/p>\n
Dar es Salaam held the most promise. It was Archbishop of Canterbury and the Primates, speaking in one voice. Or at least, it appeared so initially. How has it been followed through? Kyrie Eleison, repeating the closing words of our dear Archbishop of Uganda\u2019s latest public address. We can\u2019t help but ask, \u201cIf that Statement did not do much, what will these WCG observations accomplish?\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
We may need to retrace our steps \u201d\u201c back to Dar Es Salaam \u201d\u201c if there is any hope for healing.<\/p>\n
Those who are quick to judge the Lambeth absentees need to know that these very same ones have worked tirelessly to heal the torn fabric these past five years. Leadership means sticking your necks out, being misunderstood and criticised, and this is the price which many of them have paid. Some have felt that they are now relegated to the category of those who \u201d\u02dcare deeply exercised over matters which they have no control.\u2019 And so, they stayed away. For the record, even the Province of Southeast Asia is not fully represented. A bishop and assistant bishop chose to absent themselves to protest that \u201d\u02dcall is not well and it cannot be business as usual.\u2019 After all, the \u201d\u02dcimpaired communion\u2019 SEA Province Statement still stands.<\/p>\n
In this context, the Archbishop of Canterbury\u2019s Second Presidential Address is deeply disappointing. Once again, the crisis is seen as a family squabble. Whatever the background whispers may be and personal insight one may have on the Archbishop of Cantebury\u2019s real intentions (and I have deep admiration for his spiritual commitment, exemplary devotional life and theological wisdom), we can only respond to him based on his public communication and leadership actions.<\/p>\n