New evangelical leader criticises Archbishop of Canterbury

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=9814

[VirtueOnline] 23 Jan 2009--The new chairman of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) has begun his tenure by criticizing the theological stance of Dr Rowan Williams as ill behoving the office of Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Ven Michael Lawson, the Archdeacon of Hampstead, told The Church of England Newspaper: "Rowan's theological method is reflective and in a sense poetic. It's a valuable contribution to the discussion. But there is a distinction to be drawn between even the best kind of speculative theology and the leadership required of an Archbishop."

The conservative evangelical opposes same-sex unions and the consecration of gay clergy, which is in contrast to Dr Williams' own views. While Dr Williams has tried to draw a distinction between his personal theology and his position as Archbishop, the new chairman said that Dr Williams' actions while Archbishop of Canterbury had "created difficulties for people who are struggling with sexual temptations."