Mutual Recognition of Ordained Ministers

Prologue: Bishop Snowden provided a brief history of the work of the Task Force, noting that it will hold its final meeting in January, 1983.; Bishop Snowden was joined by Dr. E. Jay, Professor G. Hobbs and the Rev. Paul Gibson.; Professor Hobbs reviewed the document, "Towards the Mutual Recognition of Ordained Ministry," which is in four sections as follows:; 1. The Unity and the Division of the Church; 2. Anglican/United Church Relations in Canada; 3. Problems in Furthering the Relationship; 4. A Call to a Common and Open Future.; Mr. Gibson spoke on Section 3. He stressed that the proposal encompasses nothing that is not already being done. The House was asked to consider and affirm the symbolic and theological expression of what is being done.; Mr. Gibson identified three problem areas:; - Models of the Church; - Authority; - Models of Ordained Ministry; Dr. Jay, who did not contribute to the writing of the Report, presented a commentary. (Appendix A.) [text of Appendix A NOT included in electronic database]; The House was asked to consider the following questions:; 1. Where does the House stand in general in relation to this proposal?; 2. What aspects would the House like to see the Task Force refine when it meets in January?; Following discussion, the House was requested to study this Statement, along with the ARCIC Statement and the Statements of the World Council of Churches.

Text of motion: That this House of Bishops receives the report of the Task Force on the Mutual Recognition of Ordained Ministry, and notes the need for revision in several areas, and affirms the intent of the report, particularly the call for theological and symbolic recognition of shared ministries, and concurs with the Task Forces' call for further work.

Notes: Amendment; Moved by Archbishop Garnsworthy, seconded by Bishop Stiff,; That the words, "notes the need for revision in several areas, and" be omitted. DEFEATED 8-10-82; The Motion was put and CARRIED. 7-10-82; 19 for; 9 against; 12 abstentions

Subjects: Joint Task Force on Mutual Recognition of Ordained Ministers; Ministry - Anglican Church of Canada; Ministry and Christian union; Shared ministry; Mutual recognition of ministry