News

Document's bid to distil a conference's conversation
By Allan Reeder, Market-Place
August 7, 2008
TEAM: Bishops from across the globe attended the Lambeth Conference. PHOTO: (c) Lambeth Conference TEAM: Bishops from across the globe attended the Lambeth Conference. PHOTO: (c) Lambeth Conference Lambeth Conference Logo

A 44-page 'Reflections' document will be the tool the world's Anglican bishops will be using to 'bring home' the 2008 Lambeth Bishops' Conference.

The 1998 gathering published volumes of wordy reports and more than a hundred debated motions. This time, after an agenda devoid of voting, the conference's agreed 'communique' is a narrative attempt to capture the 'work-in-progress' of six hundred bishops engaged in discussion over 18 days.

The document acknowledges early in its pages the estimated 230 bishops who boycotted the event.

"We miss their presence, their fellowship and their wisdom and assure them of our continuing love and prayers," the document states (Par. 4)

Perth's Archbishop Roger Herft was the chair of the bishops' committee that assembled the balanced document.

Writing in the introduction, Herft describes it as the story of "our lived experience and the open and honest discussions we have had."

He acknowledges its limitations: "This document is not the primary outcome of this conference."

"Written words can never adequately describe the life-changing nature of our time together."

But despite the abundant balance and subtlety, there are clear indications of the consensus this Lambeth Conference has reached on the international rift over sexuality.

Under the sexuality heading, the 'Reflections' document shows general agreement was reached among the bishops calling for a series of 'moratoria' or open-ended bans on:

* the ordinations of people living in a same-gender union to the episcopate;

* the blessing of same-sex unions; and

* cross-border incursions by bishops.

The document concedes the moratoria "will be difficult to uphold" and that "there are questions to be clarified in relation to how long the moratoria are intended to serve."

Some individual US bishops "expressed apologies in their groups, noting that they had not previously grasped the depth of the negative impact that their action in the consecration of a bishop living in a same gender union had caused in many parts of the Communion."(Par. 108)

The deep differences of opinion over homosexuality reflect both tension on scriptural understandings as well as the breadth of cultural values across the globe and historical context.

"For some, the new teaching cannot be acceptable on biblical grounds as they consider all homosexual activity as intrinsically sinful.  Tension has arisen when those who hold the traditional teaching are faced with changes in the Church's life or teaching without being able to understand or engage with a clear presentation of how people have come to a new understanding of scripture and pastoral theology.(Par 111)

"The whole issue of homosexual relations is also highly sensitive because there are very strong affirmations and denials in different cultures across the world which are reflected in contrasting civil provisions, ranging from legal provision for same-sex marriage to criminal action against homosexuals. (Par. 112)

"In some parts of the Communion the issue of homosexuality has been under discussion for over thirty years, whereas for others it is a more recent conversation. In other places, there are legal or cultural reasons which constrain dialogue. In some Provinces, the acceptance of homosexual practice would be seen as a betrayal of the teaching of the missionaries who brought the faith, and experienced as a new form of colonialism. In the time frame of Christianity, or even of the Anglican tradition, there has not been enough time to allow for the Bishops of the Communion to come to a new consensus within Provinces or worldwide - either to agree, or to live together in disagreement.(Par. 115)

The document floats a list of twelve alternative ways forward (Par. 120) among them a new 'Pastoral Forum', a form of flying squad which would try to solve disputes.

"There is clear majority support for a Pastoral Forum along the lines advocated by the Windsor Group, and a desire to see it in place speedily," (Par. 146) the document states.

The proposed international Anglican convenant prompts a mixed response, the document acknowledging there are "many positive responses to the idea of a covenant" but also descriptions of "reservations and concerns".

"There is a tension between wanting to take time over the process and the need for urgency in repairing the tears in the Communion's fabric," the document states.

There are signs too that, due to the evolving global nature of the Anglican church, its entire Episcopal leadership could in future meet more often than once every ten years.

"The current cycle of Lambeth meetings every 10 years is deemed inadequate.  Perhaps there could be a meeting of a representative group every 3 years"(Par. 42) or "a shorter Lambeth Conference every five years."(Par. 143)

As well as affirming the opportunity to join a protest march in London, the bishops believe the international Anglican church should move beyond its series of national aid agencies to establish its own "global Anglican Relief and Development Agency" (Par. 58)

Environmental issues were highlighted at the conference by the retired bishop of Canbnerra & Goulburn George Browning who chairs the international Anglican Environment network.

A section of the reflection' document  (Par. 60) argues that "Ignorance of the issues of environment is a priority that must be addressed" listing problems including "water pollution, dumping of toxic waste, air pollution, deforestation (and) irresponsible disposal of garbage." The text calls on bishops to " take a leading role by example, modelling a simpler lifestyle, using a carbon offset for meeting travel, or travelling less!"

Political action is also affirmed: "The Bishop is often in a position to make connections with levels of government and business where there are opportunities to advocate for change"(Par. 67)

The organisers of the Lambeth Conference don't escape implied criticism: "The next Lambeth Conference should be a green conference where the host institution is under clear direction from the Design Group to provide recycling facilities." (Par. 70)

There are significant sections in the 'Reflections' document on the Scriptures, ecumenism and relationships with other world religions.

In one of ten statements of solidarity, the Conference expressed "solidarity with Australia's indigenous peoples, both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. We applaud the apology made by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to the stolen generations and acknowledge that the journey towards reconciliation has only just begun, particularly in relation to remote Aboriginal communities in Australia." (Par. 156)

 

To download the Lambeth 'Reflections' document CLICK HERE (PDF FILE 268K)