The Presiding Bishop responds to GAFCON

Updated with Reuters report.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori responds to the GAFCON statement:


Much of the Anglican world must be lamenting the latest emission from GAFCON. Anglicanism has always been broader than some find comfortable. This statement does not represent the end of Anglicanism, merely another chapter in a centuries-old struggle for dominance by those who consider themselves the only true believers. Anglicans will continue to worship God in their churches, serve the hungry and needy in their communities, and build missional relationships with others across the globe, despite the desire of a few leaders to narrow the influence of the gospel. We look forward to the opportunities of the Lambeth Conference for constructive conversation, inspired prayer, and relational encounters.

Posted by Jim Naughton on June 30, 2008 2:25 PM | |
Comments (6)

Bravo Bishop Katharine!

Posted by Michael Cudney [TypeKey Profile Page] | June 30, 2008 3:21 PM

Great statement! I especially like the part about the Anglican Communion being broader than some people wish it were. I'm sure the GAF(fe)CON-ites are basking in their glory, but what have they really done? They all wasted money to spout out the same rhetoric. Is human sexuality still REALLY the make or break of our church and our "communion"? There are bigger fish to fry.

Posted by Paul Canady [TypeKey Profile Page] | June 30, 2008 4:04 PM

I wish she had chosen a word other than "emission" to describe the statement. It undermines the rest of what she says. We must resist the temptation (to which I sometimes succumb) to use demeaning words to refer to those with whom we disagree.

Pax,
Scott+

Posted by Scott Gunn [TypeKey Profile Page] | June 30, 2008 8:07 PM

I don't think you can project your own meaning on what is a plain use of a word - KJS is not a person who uses words to demean others. As a scientist- emissions are those things sent forth from something - as in light emitting diode

Posted by Ann Fontaine [TypeKey Profile Page] | July 1, 2008 7:13 AM

What Scott and Ann refer to has been a major knickers-twist over on the Bishops/Deputies list (where I kibitz) for the last day or so. Obviously some folks have their minds running in...well, never mind. "The latest emission from GAFCON" seems very appropriate to me. Emissions are a major problem these days. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, fluorocarbons, a variety of things that contribute to global warming. If the GAFCON folks are offended by having their statement compared to electromagnetic radiation or noxious fumes, perhaps that is their problem, not ours. But perhaps +Katharine is referring to "light," which is also emitted. They should appreciate that. Or perhaps it refers to "noise." +Katharine is a scientist. She knows what the word means, more than most of the rest of us.

"Whining" is also a noxious emission.

Bill+

Posted by Bill Moorhead [TypeKey Profile Page] | July 1, 2008 3:51 PM

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