Monday, July 07, 2008

Time to grow up: the Church of England must be built on trust

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/letters/article4280689.ece

[Times Online] 7 Jul 2008--Sir, It is deeply disappointing that you choose to describe possible provision by the Church of England for those who cannot accept the ordination of women to the episcopate as “enshrining discrimination”. (Leader, July 3).

The issue has always been one of how best to hold together in one Church of England loyal Anglicans with differing convictions on a disputed question of faith and order, so that all may flourish. The signatories to the open letter to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York are not “threatening to defect,” if women are consecrated as bishops, but making plain their concerns about the need for provision which has theological integrity and is secure in law. Nor are they “defying” anyone. The note from the Archbishops which accompanied the publication of the text of the motion to be debated at the General Synod on Monday makes it clear that they are looking for an open discussion, in which all options will be given a fair hearing. The Archbishops have not, for very good reasons, declared their mind as to which outcome they might favour. Above all, they need our prayers as they weigh and ponder how best to lead the Church at this time.

The Rev J.M.R. Baker
Principal
Pusey House, Oxford

Sir, Your editorial (July 3) urges the Archbishop of Canterbury to “address the defiance” of those clergy who cannot accept the ministry of women as bishops. I do not believe he will follow your advice. The Archbishop is on record as having said at General Synod (February 2006) that he recognised that our position was one of “obedience”.

We seek provision within the Church of England and the Anglican Communion, under the leadership of Archbishop Rowan, as loyal Anglicans. We believe that proper provision within the Church of England will be a model of good practice to the rest of the Anglican Communion, and contribute enormously towards holding the Communion together.

The Rev Canon Simon Killwick
Chairman of the Catholic Group in General Synod

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