On 14 November 1784, Samuel Seabury, elected to be Bishop of Connecticut in the United States, was consecrated by three bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church after being refused consecration by the Church of England. "On 14 November 2003 -- the 219th anniversary of the consecration of Samuel Seabury -- the present Bishop of Aberdeen and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Reverend Bruce Cameron, visited Peterhead and laid a wreath on the grave of Bishop [Robert] Kilgour, Bishop of Aberdeen and Primus at the time when Samuel Seabury was consecrated". "The consecration of Bishop Seabury in Aberdeen by three Scottish Bishops was the beginning of the worldwide Anglican Communion".
"African and North American bishops left the recent Consultation of Anglican Bishops in Dialogue 'with great hope', they said in a collective statement issued at the conclusion of their meeting in Cape Town, South Africa, from May 2 to 5 [2013]. The dialogue was the fourth in a series of meetings established to help heal divisions within the Anglican Communion. This meeting focused on reconciliation, and included presentations on Truth and Reconciliation commissions in South Africa, Canada and Burundi". The 18 bishops were from Kenya, South Africa, Burundi, Zambia, South Sudan, Malawi, Ghana, the U.S. and Canada. The Rev. Canon Isaac Kawuki-Mukasa. from the national office of the Anglican Church of Canada, said: "The bishops' differences, particularly on issues of sexuality, have not disappeared ... 'but the good thing is that they have become friends now'." "The bishops have committed to meeting next year [2014] and possibly the year after as well".
"The years leading up to the 2008 Lambeth Conference uncovered serious divisions and disagreements between African and other Anglicans on the issues of human sexuality and same-sex relationships. Recognizing the danger of this drift, Archbishop Colin Johnson of the diocese of Toronto and metropolitan of the ecclesiastical province of Ontario, assumed a leading role in forming the Consultation of Anglican Bishops in Dialogue. The dialogue held its first consultation in London in 2010, its second the following year in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and its third in 2012 outside Toronto. What started as a debate focused on human sexuality has evolved into something much more, says the Rev. Dr. Isaac Kawuki Mukasa, co-ordinator for dialogue at the Anglican Church of Canada. 'The consultation has become a distinct voice within the Anglican Communion, and the statements it makes at the end of each dialogue are having an impact, prompting both positive and negative responses'. Mukasa points out by way of example that the deeply conservative bishop of the diocese of Mombasa, Julius Kalu, is now reaching out to Kenya's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. 'He believes that Christ would prefer dialogue to ostracization', says Mukasa".
Eight page insert (1-8) with May 2013 issue of Anglican Journal. Anglican Church of Canada Ministry Report. Insert produced by Resources for Mission Dept.
TORONTO, February 7, 2000 -- Archbishop Michael Peers has used the strongest language yet in the widespread condemnation of irregular ordinations aimed at undermining the leadership of the Episcopal Church in the United States.
Archbishop Peers, the Primate of The Anglican Church of Canada, termed recent ordinations in Singapore "an act of aggression: and "an open and premeditated assault on Anglican tradition, catholic order and Christian charity".
Last week in Singapore the Primates of Rwanda and South East Asia consecrated two American priests as bishops and said they would be "released" into the United States. Archbishop Peers said: "Bishops are not intercontinental ballistic missiles, manufactured on one continent and fired into another as an act of aggression".
The ordinations have been roundly condemned by liberal and conservative forces alike. Archbishop Harry Goodhew of the Diocese of Sydney (Australia) noted that a meeting of the Primates is to take place next month, and conservative church leaders, including Archbishop Moses Tay of South East Asia, had agreed in Kampala last month not to take any precipitous actions before the Primates meeting.
"I am surprised and not a little disappointed that people who were present at Kampala, and agreed upon, have moved now beyond that agreement and have taken action that is contrary to the tenor and spirit of our understanding," Archbishop Goodhew said.
An article on the web site of the conservative organization Forward in Faith America said the ordinations are likely invalid because "certain necessary ingredients to make the ordinations valid were missing and/or certain impediments were present." It lists nine `ingredients and impediments', including the veil of secrecy surrounding the event did not allow for a proper use of the Si quis", a clause in the ordination rite which allows objections to be expressed.
The Archbishop of Canterbury termed the ordinations "irresponsible and irregular" and said the action was "a grave disappointment". In the United States, Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold said he was "appalled" by the "singularly unhelpful" actions and "profoundly disturbed by the caricature that has been presented of the Episcopal Church in the United States".
Archbishop Peers, who is partly responsible for planning the meeting of Primates next month, said the ordinations indicate the need for the Primates to deepen their understanding of Episcopal ministry.
The text of Archbishop Peers' statement follows:
Statement by Archbishop Michael Peers, member for the Americas of the Primates' Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion
I write as a member of the Primates' Standing Committee which, together with the Archbishop of Canterbury, has spent time over the past months planning the March meeting of Primates.
Because of the recent action in Singapore, there will be greater need at that meeting to deepen the understanding of Primates about episcopal ministry.
In the Anglican tradition, bishops are chosen by the local church according to its standards and practices. The persons chosen are affirmed by the wider church, that is, the province, and then ordained by bishops acting in, with, and for the church of the diocese and province.
Bishops are not intercontinental ballistic missiles, manufactured on one continent and fired into another as an act of aggression.
The recent irregular ordination in Singapore is, in my opinion, an open and premeditated assault on Anglican tradition, catholic order and Christian charity.
I ask for the prayers of the whole church for the Primates' Meeting that it may contribute to deeper comprehension. mutual trust, and godly quietness among its members and throughout the Communion.
Archbishop Michael G. Peers
Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada
Member of the Standing Committee of the Primates' Meeting
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Contact: Doug Tindal, Director of Information Resources, 416-924-9199 ext. 286; 905-335-8349 (residence) or Sam Carriere, Editor, Print Resources 416-924-9199 ext. 256
The Most Rev. Peter Carnley, Archbishop of Perth and Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, has accepted the request of the Archbishop of Canterbury, to serve as chair of the Panel of Reference created by Archbishop Williams in response to the February 2005 Primates' Meeting. The Panel will be an advisory and consultative body that, at the request of the Archbishop of Canterbury, will "enquire into, consider and report on situations drawn to my attention where there is a serious dispute concerning the adequacy of schemes of delegated or extended episcopal oversight or other extraordinary arrangements which may be needed to provide for parishes which find it impossible in all conscience to accept the direct ministry of their own diocesan bishop or for dioceses in dispute with their provincial authorities".
"This book draws together studies of various aspects of Anglican ecclesiology written over the past 15 years, several of which were originally published as separate articles. All have been revised and updated, and some have been expanded with significant new material. The chapters are intended to remain complete in themselves, and to that end occasional overlaps have been retained" (p. viii). "A brief comment on the term `Anglican ecclesiology' is needed at the outset. Much of this book is concerned specifically with aspects of the ecclesiology of the Church of England. Those are, of course, in turn, aspects of wider Anglican ecclesiology since the Church of England is an Anglican church ... It should not be supposed, however, that these features of the Church of England's ecclesiology are necessarily typical of the Anglican Communion more generally. Some of the chapters examine aspects of the ecclesiology of the Communion as a whole, but they do not attempt to look in detail at the ecclesiology of other individual Anglican churches" (p. x). -- Foreword.
Contents: Foreword dated 25 April 2005 -- The origins and development of the Church of England -- High churchmen, church and state, 1801-38 -- The Anglican Communion: Idea, name and identity -- The Church of England's Declaration of Assent -- Primacy in the Anglican tradition -- Territoriality, communion and parallel episcopates -- Synodical government in the Church of England : History and principle -- Synodical government in the Church of England, illustrated by the case of the ordination of women to the priesthood -- The choosing of bishops in the early Church and in the Church of England : A historical survey -- Afterword -- Notes -- Index.
In response to the request of the Anglican Consultative Council that each Province in the Anglican Communion examine authority in the Anglican Communion, a task force was established in Canada. The members are: Bishop John Baycroft representing the House of Bishops; The Reverend Michael Ingham representing the National Executive Council; and Mrs. Patricia Bays who is a member of the Anglican Consultative Council. The report of the Canadian Church is to go to the Anglican Consultative Council before the end of March.
Mrs. Bays, Bishop Baycroft and Mr. Ingham each addressed the House.
Appendix A [Appendix A consisting of 7 pages of text is NOT included in the electronic database.]
Mrs. Bays distributed a summary of the Bishops' discussions of the previous day. Questions and discussion followed on what should be done with the document.
These centred on the following issues:
1. Economic considerations - if the structures are increased, then increased costs will ensue. What then, can be subtracted from the structures and still maintain the work that has to be done ?
2. Some discomfort was felt about the possibility of "drifting into Primacy".
3. Should we increase the complexity of our structures ? Could areas use their own moderator ?
4. Where does this document go ?
It was pointed out that National Executive Council asked the House of Bishops to look at this issue, and the Anglican Consultative Council asked the same of Synods and Standing Committees.
Text
That we receive the document "Authority in the Anglican Communion" developed through discussion and consideration, and offered as an expression of the opinion of the House of Bishops on this subject;
That it be forwarded to the National Executive Council and, if appropriate, to Lambeth as a contribution to the continuing dialogue on the whole subject of authority. CARRIED
Notes
APPENDIX B
AUTHORITY IN THE ANGLICAN CHURCH
A. The issue of authority in the Church impinges on us as bishops in several ways. We are called upon to exercise authority in the ordering of ministry, in ordaining and licensing clergy, in the sacraments of Christian Initiation, in shaping the liturgical life of our dioceses, and in preaching and teaching the Gospel. The Church's authority has its source in God who calls us into unity with each other under the lordship of Christ. Episcopal authority is grounded in, and expressed through, the Koinonia of the Church.
B. If the true purpose of authority is to unify, in practice the exercise of it becomes the occasion for diverse reaction. The recent activity of some bishops within the Communion acting outside their diocesan jurisdiction has raised questions about episcopal collegiality. Liturgical renewal has generated hostility and fear of change in some quarters, resulting in a challenge to episcopal authority itself. Theological development which has evolved new images of the nature of God has produced new models of authority which challenge our present structures. Political and economic changes in society have generated individualistic concepts of authority which seem to be in conflict with the Church's understanding of Koinonia.
C. Within this context, we are compelled to ask about our identity as members of the Anglican Communion. The issue of authority raises the question of identity. Our tradition has been that of a family of autonomous Churches united by our common desire to belong to one another. We affirm that tradition precisely because it is conciliar rather than legislative. We would like to see the instruments of unity strengthened in the Communion, but in such a way that their authority remains consultative and persuasive. We have no desire to see an Anglican "Curia". The following are ways in which the centre of authority in the Communion might be developed.
D. We affirm the special role of the Archbishop of Canterbury as a personal symbol of unity with the Communion. Some of us wish to affirm the role as it presently is. But the office is developing into a more international role, with the Archbishop visiting other provinces and asked for comments on their situations. Some therefore would prefer to see the role enhanced in order to allow the effective functioning of the office. There is value in the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury as diocesan bishop, in rooting this office in the particulars of a place. A primacy of honour might be exercised by the Archbishop of Canterbury himself, but another person might serve as moderator of a conference or president of the Anglican Consultative Council.
E. The Lambeth Conference brings to the whole Communion a sense of unity and common purpose. We recognize that the Lambeth Conference is becoming unwieldy in size and cost, and we suggest that other structures, processes, and alternative venues be explored. We cannot describe at this time what these structures might be. Regional meetings, to include both affluent and less affluent provinces, would build better communication and mutual understanding.
F. We believe the meetings of Primates should be held in conjunction with those of another group -- either the Lambeth conference or the Anglican Consultative Council -- again in order to foster communication and interdependence.
G. The Anglican Consultative Council is an important vehicle of unity since it expresses the synodical model of the Church by its inclusion of priests and lay people as well as bishops. We are agreed that it is important to develop the representation of the laity on the Council, particularly in the area of women and youth. Regional meetings and the more frequent convening of an Anglican Congress could promote this greater involvement. It is important to provide adequate staff and financial support to the work of the Council. We are undecided, however, as to what authority the statements of the Council should have. There is an optimum size for Council and staff and it ought not to grow too large. There is a danger in building up structures. The demands on time and money are great, and the purpose of the structures needs to be remembered.
H. We recognize that our history and geography in Canada have helped us to understand the concept of unity in diversity. We affirm the necessity for interdependence in this large country. All dioceses have gifts to share, and needs which can be met by the gifts of others. In our Canadian experience a number of models have developed which illustrate this unity in diversity. The Council of the North is a good example of the concept of partnership expressed through transparency and mutual accountability. The ecumenical coalitions provide a model of effective planning for social concerns. Decision making by consensus in the House of Bishops requires a high level of trust. We have learned a great deal about regional consultation through our experience in ACNAC [Anglican Council of North America and the Caribbean].
I. We recognize the importance of giving assent to structures of authority. We choose to remain in communion with each other. As issues arise in the Communion on which we have differing views, it will be important for provinces to commit themselves to work together to seek ways of expressing our unity in diversity. We need to listen to each other prayerfully and with sensitivity, recognizing that there must be in the Anglican Communion a tolerance for diversity and a reluctance to define every issue too closely. Our involvement in international structures needs to be communicated clearly to the local congregations, so that they can be aware of the importance of maintaining these links within the Communion.
"Presented to the Anglican Communion in recognition of the contribution of Bishop John Howe, Executive Officer of the Anglican Communion 1969-1971, and Secretary General, the Anglican Consultative Council, 1971-1982, and to The Lambeth Conference 1978 as an aid to its deliberation on Authority". -- p. [5].
Contents divided into three main parts.
Contents: Abbreviations -- Foreword / Robert Runcie, Archbishop of Canterbury -- 1. Introduction : Why Authority / S.W. Sykes -- Part One: The Theology of Authority -- 2. Ideology, Authority and Faith / John E. Skinner -- 3. The Grace of a Holy God; P.T. Forsyth and the Contemporary Church / R.C. Craston -- 4. The Authority of Love / E.W. Scott -- 5. Authority in the Church; Spiritual Freedom and the Corporate Nature of Faith / H.R. McAdoo -- 6. The Judicious Mr. Hooker and Authority in the Elizabethan Church / J.E. Booty -- Part Two: Anglican Structures and Usage -- 7. A Family Affair: The Pattern of Constitutional Authority in the Anglican Communion / P.H.E. Thomas -- 8. Towards a Theology and Practice of the Bishop-in-Synod / K.S. Chittleborough -- 9. The Making of a Tradition; Provincial Synod in the Church of the Province of Southern Africa / M. Nuttall -- 10. Take Thou Authority; an African Perspective / John S. Pobee -- 11. Collegiality and Conciliarity in the Anglican Communion / Gavin White -- Part Three: The Ecumenical Future of Authority -- 12. Ecumenical Dialogues and Authority / Gunther Gassmann -- 13. Anglicans, Roman Catholics and Authority / Johannes Willebrands -- 14. An Anglican Comment on Papal Authority in the Light of Recent Developments / J. Robert Wright -- 15. Catholicity and Authority in Anglican-Lutheran Relations / S.W. Sykes -- Appendix : The Meaning and Unity of the Anglican Communion (Lambeth 1948).
"Presented to the Anglican Communion in recognition of the contribution of Bishop John Howe, Executive Officer of the Anglican Communion 1969-1971, and Secretary General, the Anglican Consultative Council, 1971-1982, and to The Lambeth Conference 1978 as an aid to its deliberation on Authority". -- p. [5].
Contents divided into three main parts: Part One: The Theology of Authority -- Part Two: Anglican Structures and Usage -- Part Three: The Ecumenical Future of Authority.
Contents: Abbreviations -- Foreword / Robert Runcie, Archbishop of Canterbury -- Introduction : Why Authority / S.W. Sykes -- Ideology, Authority and Faith / John E. Skinner -- The Grace of a Holy God; P.T. Forsyth and the Contemporary Church / R.C. Craston -- The Authority of Love / E.W. Scott -- Authority in the Church; Spiritual Freedom and the Corporate Nature of Faith / H.R. McAdoo -- The Judicious Mr. Hooker and Authority in the Elizabethan Church / J.E. Booty -- A Family Affair: The Pattern of Constitutional Authority in the Anglican Communion / P.H.E. Thomas -- Towards a Theology and Practice of the Bishop-in-Synod / K.S. Chittleborough -- The Making of a Tradition; Provincial Synod in the Church of the Province of Southern Africa / M. Nuttall -- Take Thou Authority; an African Perspective / John S. Pobee -- Collegiality and Conciliarity in the Anglican Communion / Gavin White -- Ecumenical Dialogues and Authority / Gunther Gassmann -- Anglicans, Roman Catholics and Authority / Johannes Willebrands -- An Anglican Comment on Papal Authority in the Light of Recent Developments / J. Robert Wright -- Catholicity and Authority in Anglican-Lutheran Relations / S.W. Sykes -- Appendix : The Meaning and Unity of the Anglican Communion (Lambeth 1948).
"[E]dited by Colin Buchanan, Bishop of Aston, diocese of Birmingham".
Includes bibliographical references.
"The Study is published as the 1988 Lambeth Conference is about to convene ... And it is published because the Board considered that an open-ended exploration of principles is needed in the Anglican Communion to-day, and is far more needed than a ceremonial guide designed to give the bishop the `bottom line' whilst saving him the trouble of thinking too hard. And the hope has been that the Study would touch parishes as well as bishops, and prepare the receivers of episcopal ministry as well as the bestowers of it". -- Intro. p. 9.
Contents: Introduction / Colin Buchanan -- A Historical Perspective / John Halliburton -- Past and Present: The Bishop as Focus of Unity / David Hope and Colin James -- The Bishop Leading his Diocese / David Holeton -- The Bishop in his Cathedral / David Stancliffe -- The Bishop Sets Out / Michael Perham -- The Bishop in Action / Colin Buchanan -- Appendix: Short Notes.