The Archbishop’s address

Thanks to everyone who sent me thins link while I was in a meeting. Here is the Archbishop of Canterbury’s presidential address to the General Synod of the Church of England.

I will let the rest of you have at this. I just want to note that Williams comments directly on the same-sex blessing business, and yet somehow fails to clear it up. Have a look:

“We have asked for more clarity as to whether a moratorium has indeed been agreed on the election of bishops in active sexual partnerships outside marriage; and we have suggested a similar voluntary moratorium by the bishops on licensing any kind of liturgical order for same-sex blessings (the understanding of the Meeting was certainly that this should be a comprehensive abstention from any public rites), at least for the period during which the wider discussion of the Covenant goes forward.”

The language used in the first case “licensing any kind of liturgical order” clearly supports the interpretation I have been advancing. The language in parenthesis “comprehensive abstention from any public rites” brings us back to the ambiguity of square one. The blessing of same sex unions in this country almost never involves a licensed rite. But the ceremonies are hardly private. Why is it so hard to achieve some clarity on this point?

One more thing. I found this passage quite clarifying:

“Much has been made of the relative nobility of a ‘Here I stand’ position as compared with the painful brokering and compromising needed for unity’s sake. It’s impossible not to feel the force of this. Yet – to speak personally for a moment – the persistence of the Communion as an organically international and intercultural unity whose aim is to glorify Jesus Christ and to work for his Kingdom is for me and others just as much a matter of deep personal and theological conviction as any other principle. About this, I am entirely prepared to say ‘Here I stand and I cannot do otherwise’. And I believe the Primates have said the same.'”

I think he is wrong about the Primates. The story of this meeting was that of a small group willing to split the Communion if Williams did not capitulate to them. He did. They have not made the statement he attributes to them. They have simply gotten their way.

That said, I think Williams commitment to hold the Communion together at all costs is now as clear as can be. He is doing this at the expense of many now in the Communion, but that is a price he is willing to have them pay.

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