Lord Eames speaks on reconciliation

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Shrine Mont Episcopal Retreat Center

Orkney Springs, Virginia

Over the course of three days ending today, Lord Robin Eames, former Anglican Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh, spoke at the Diocese of Virginia clergy conference on the subject of reconciliation. In his introduction, Bishop Peter Lee recounted Lord Eames’ contributions for the church including the Eames Report (on women’s ordination), the Virginia Report, and the Windsor Report, and in the negotiations of peace in Northern Ireland. Lee drew laughter from the crowd saying unlike Archbishops of Canterbury, Eames became Lord Eames on the basis of merit. He also drew laughter when he observed that Lord Eames was probably chagrined that in some circles the Windsor Report had taken on a status superior to the 39 Articles.

In his talks on reconciliation, Lord Eames took most of his illustrations from his experience in the Northern Ireland peace talks rather than the unpleasantness in the Anglican Communion. For his text throughout the conference he choose John 21:15-17 (Do you love me?; Yes; Feed my sheep.)

Some of his observations:

  • The institutional church is in the shallows. The shallowness of our faith is exposed in times of trial in the communion.
  • God weeps for the Anglican Communion. The secular world is laughing at us.
  • Reconciliation requires that people trust each other.
  • Not all people have the same potential for reconciliation.
  • Don’t be surprised if your efforts at reconciliation are misunderstood.
  • Laws cannot bring about reconciliation.
  • I choose “bringing about the kingdom, feed my sheep” over the “thou shalt nots”.
  • When we consider scripture we should see something different every time.
  • We must be prepared to move on.
  • I have been dealing with principles, and won’t tell you what to do. There has been too much outside interference.
  • I believe the explosive growth in the Anglican Communion would have led to division sooner or later.
  • The strength of the Anglican Communion has been our lack of cohesion, its elasticity.
  • Everyone thinks they’re the victim. They’re all oversensitive.
  • Padre Rob has more extensive notes here and here.

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