The Archbishop of the Church of Canada, Fred Hiltz, lets us in on some of what the primates meeting in Dublin next week will be about.
The Anglican Journal:
In an interview prior to his departure for the Jan. 25-30 meeting, Archbishop Hiltz explained that the meeting will discuss the nature of the Anglican Communion and the role of its primates, both as a body as well as in their individual provinces. And for the first time since this meeting was established in 1978, discussions will be guided by a facilitator.
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The [primates attending] will be asked to share their thoughts on two questions: What do you think is the most pressing challenge or issue facing the Anglican Communion at this time? What do you think is the most pressing challenge or issue facing your own province?
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Archbishop Hiltz has consulted with the metropolitans [senior bishops] and other officials of General Synod–the Anglican Church of Canada’s governing body–to formulate the Canadian church’s response to the questions. Three of the four metropolitans were available for consultation and “not one of them raised sexuality or the [Anglican] Covenant” as real challenges facing the Anglican Communion, said Archbishop Hiltz. The “real issues,” they agreed, are combating disease, access to clean water, security, peace, and reconciliation with indigenous peoples.
About the intention of several primates to boycott the meeting, Hiltz said, “To simply say, ‘I refuse to come’ is anything but exemplary of the office and ministry to which we are called.”
Archbishop Hiltz asks for prayer for the Primates’ Meeting, Hiltz adds:
On the subject of primacy, each of us received a number of documents, ancient and modern, Anglican and ecumenical addressing the role, function and authority of this ministry within the Province and within the Communion as a whole. There is a real need for clarity with respect to the place and influence of the Primates’ Meetings and the nature of their service as one of the Instruments of Communion.
Addendum. Thinking Anglicans has Another Anglican Covenant roundup.