It would seem the whole Anglican world had turned its eyes to Dar es Salaam in mid-February.  Several notable Anglican blogs crashed repeatedly as millions checked hourly to see if there was any update on the Primates’ Meeting.  Well, the news is out and undoubtedly many breathed a sigh of relief as the Anglican Communion survived yet another make-or-break event.  So what did take place in Tanzania? There were many encouraging signs, not the least of which was the presence of most of the Primates (7 absented themselves) at the closing Eucharist.

The Communiqué released by the Primates at the end of the meeting showed that this liturgical act reflected the unity they found in moving forward as a Communion. For those who have desired clarity, the Primates have given it. The problem, according to the Communiqué, is that “at the heart of our tensions is the belief that The Episcopal Church has departed from the standard of teaching on human sexuality accepted by the Communion.”  There are other practical problems which stem from that, but fundamentally it has been made clear that TEC has departed from the teaching of the Communion, and that the only way the Communion can continue together is to submit once again to that teaching. The Communiqué unequivocally calls for TEC to do so and provides a framework for pastoral oversight until that takes place.

It falls now on TEC’s House of Bishops to respond to the demands of the Primates’ Communiqué.  This has been a source of some contention as it has been suggested that the whole American church needs to be responsible for this decision. The Primates, however, recognise that it is the bishops who have been charged with defending the faith and so they need to exercise leadership here on behalf of their dioceses.

The situation, we think, is not really different now than before the Primates’ Meeting. Now just as it was then, it is clear that there can be no compromise. If Anglicans in North America wish to continue on the path of liberal revisionism, they will do so at the cost of membership in the Anglican Communion.

In light of the Primates’ Communiqué we Canadian Anglicans must carefully consider our response to the Windsor Report at General Synod this June. Although Canada was not specifically mentioned, paragraph 36 concerning interventions due to pastoral necessity does seem to address the Canadian situation.  Canada must recognise that there is no room for ambiguity in our response, through either word or deed.

Some have said this “last chance” approach seems like more of the same. Many wish for us simply to dust our sandals off and move on.  But we believe that it is right for the Primates to lovingly offer yet another chance to return.  For many Anglicans in North America, the reality of losing their membership in the Anglican Communion has not yet sunk in.  Thousands in the pews believed that the crisis would eventually pass and life would go on.  The Primates have made it abundantly clear that this is not an option, and have offered us one final chance.

The Primates’ Communiqué is a gracious document, but it clearly tells the Canadian and Episcopal Churches that there will be no room for ambiguity in their responses.

Finally, any form of triumphalism amongst conservative Anglicans is inappropriate as this is not a victory of any single special interest group within the Church. In light of this recent meeting we should rejoice that our fellowship still has potential to survive intact and pray that God the Holy Spirit whose constant work is to make us holy, might use these next seven months to return unity to the Church.

See also related article: 

Primates Meeting: Tough love in Tanzania

By SUE CARELESS