The Archbishop of Canterbury\u2019s letter said the Lambeth Conference had \u201c\u201d\u00a6no appetite for revising Resolution 1.10 of Lambeth 1998\u201d\u009d \u201d\u201c the resolution that this very same diocese [of New Westminster] unilaterally defied by proceeding with same sex blessings only a few short years after this Resolution was passed. And, despite repeated affirmations by the Primates of the Communion\u2019s position on this matter and calls for repentance, the diocese has continued to disregard these calls. Instead, the Diocese seeks to evict all clergy and congregations who wish to remain faithful to Lambeth Resolution 1.10 \u201d\u201c and historic Christian doctrine.<\/p>\n
The Archbishop of Canterbury\u2019s letter said the Conference showed \u201c\u201d\u00a6much support for the idea of a \u201d\u02dcPastoral Forum\u2019 as a means of addressing present and future tensions\u201d\u00a6\u201d\u009d Last week\u2019s action by the Diocese of New Westminster shows yet again that unless this Pastoral Forum provides immediate, equal or greater protection from such dioceses there can be no reasonable expectation of adequate safety. This is even more significant given the stated objective of the Pastoral Forum is to build trust.<\/p>\n
These hostile actions by the diocese once again underscore the non-equivalency of the three moratoria called for by the Windsor Continuation Group. The causal relationship behind these actions must be acknowledged and the remedy adjusted appropriately. It is the actions by the Anglican Church of Canada and its dioceses as well as by the Episcopal Church that are causing faithful parishes to flee to safety. These must be addressed and the breaches of trust repaired before provincial incursions can possibly cease let alone be reversed.<\/p>\n
The unwillingness of the revisionist provinces and dioceses to accept the repeated offers of negotiation and mediation shows a commitment to power and property above reconciliation. While the aggressive hostile assaults and litigation continues, trust cannot be restored.<\/p>\n