Slide 1:The Windsor Report
St. Pauls Episcopal Church
January 26,2005
Slide 2:We will discuss
Why the report was written
What the report says
What it doesnt say
Where things currently stand, if we can figure it out
Slide 3:Why the report was written
The Lambeth Commission was established in October 2003
By the ABC, at the request of the Anglican Primates
Headed by The Most Rev. Dr. Robin Eames
it requested consideration of the ways in which communion and understanding could be enhanced where serious differences threatened the life of a diverse and world wide church.
Slide 4:Why the report was written page 2
In response to the Election of V. Gene Robinson by the diocese of New Hampshire and the GCs ratification of that election
The acknowledgement by the American Church that liturgies were being used to celebrate same sex blessings
The actions of the Diocese of New Westminster to allow the blessing of same sex unions
Slide 5:The Mandate (page 8 of the report)
Examine and report on the legal and theological implications of the actions of the American and Canadian churches
Practical recommendations for maintaining the highest degree of communion
Identify circumstances under which the ABC should exercise extraordinary oversight
Take due account of work already done by other bodies
Slide 6:What the report says: Grounds of our unity
The gospel itself
Ten Principles:
Local Initiative, mutuality, responsible stewardship, interdependence, cross-fertilization, integrity, transparency, solidarity, meeting together, acting ecumenically
Slide 7:What the report says: Recent mutual discernment
The ordination of women
Exhaustive record of the intense, open and honest dialogue that went on in the world wide Anglican communion and the tools used to inform the actions of the affirmative churches
Slide 8:What the report says: How the current issue is different
None of the tools of communion were called forth
None of the previous work done within the communion was referred to
None of the honest pleas from around the communion were heeded
Slide 9:Fundamental Principles
The grounds of communion
Bonds of affection, growing from our relationship with God and our shared identity
Mutual relationships:
It subsists in visible unity, common confession of the apostolic faith, common belief in scripture and the creeds, common baptism and shared eucharist, and a mutually recognised common ministry. (25)
Slide 10:The bonds of communion
The authority of scripture
Scripture and interpretation
The Episcopate
Discernment in communion and reception
Diversity (acknowledging adiaphora)
Slide 11:The Instruments of Unity
The Archbishop of Canterbury
The Lambeth Conference
The Anglican Consultative Council (lay peoples voice)
The Primates Meeting
Slide 12:Recommendations
An enhanced role for the Archbishop of Canterbury
-central focus of both unity and mission
-articulate the mind of the communion
-speak directly to any provincial situation on behalf of the communion
Slide 13:Recommendations cont
A Council of Advice
composed of suitable persons, who would possess a knowledge of the life of the Communion, and of the theological, ecclesiological and canonical considerations which might apply to any given situation
This would provide support for the ABC when hard decisions needed to be made.
Slide 14:Recommendations cont
An Anglican Covenant
The Covenant would deal with the acknowledgement of common identity; the relationships of communion; the commitments of communion; the exercise of of autonomy in communion; and the management of communion affairs
Slide 15:Recommendations cont
Revise the way episcopal elections are evaluated
ECUSA express regret for the pain its actions have caused
Ask bishops not to authorize Rites for same sex blessings until some new consensus is reached
Alternative pastoral oversight with the approval of the diocesan bishop
Rejects bishops acting beyond jurisdiction without invitation
Slide 16:What the report doesnt say
It does not call for repentance (i.e. Robinson stepping down or ECUSA somehow undoing the election)
It does not take a position on the issues of human sexuality, only on the processes of the decisions discussed above.
Slide 17:One last thing to consider
This report is to the ABC alone. What he will do with it and which of its recommendations he will implement is yet to be determined.
Slide 18:Group Discussion Questions
What does the bonds of our mutual affection mean to you?
Has the Windsor report helped you clarify your thinking on these issues?
Through all of this, what do you see are the strengths of Anglicanism?
Its weaknesses?
Slide 19:Next Week
Where we are currently
What the House of Bishops had to say about it
What Bishop Wimberly had to say about it
More time for discussion amongst yourselves
Slide 20:Wednesday Adult Programs during Lent
Holy Living, Holy Dying
The Gospel according to Matthew
