" A better future for the Anglican Communion?"

By Savi Hensman

Abstract

Rowan Williams has recently proposed major changes in the way the Anglican Communion is organised. Because of growing willingness in the Episcopal Church (TEC) to recognise the status and ministry of lesbian and gay people, and the global disagreement on this issue, he is putting forward a “two-track” approach. Provinces such as TEC in North America would not be able to carry out certain functions such as representing the Anglican Communion in ecumenical circles, while those which signed up to a Covenant would have a more central position. This research paper describes the background, examines the evidence on which the Archbishop’s main points are based, discusses their implications, and corrects some mistaken assumptions about history and practice. Inter alia it tackles a number of key theological issues. It suggests that a two-level Communion would be practically and spiritually harmful and suggests a different approach, less focused on institutional structures, that could be more effective in addressing divisions and ultimately enabling Anglicans to move towards a deeper unity.

Savitri Hensman was born in Sri Lanka. She works in the voluntary sector in community care and equalities in the UK, and she is also a respected writer on Christianity and social justice. An Ekklesia associate, Savi has contributed several chapters to the recent book Fear or Freedom? Why a warring church must change, edited by Simon Barrow (Shoving Leopard / Ekklesia, 2008). She has written and reflected widely on the future of Anglicanism and is herself a member of the Church of England.

From Ekklesia.

Savi Hensman has written a very impressive, well-reasoned, and well-documented article analyzing Archbishop Rowan Williams' Reflections on the Episcopal Church's 2009 General Convention. I've had this one on ice for a couple of days, as I attempt to read it, mostly in fits and starts. As it is, I am only half-way through reading the piece, but I thought I'd throw the link out for any of you who'd care to read it. It is long, but well-worth taking the time. I tried to pick out a few quotes, but I believe that I would do an injustice to the author if I used quotes beyond the abstract.

H/T to Thinking Anglicans.

UPDATE: I've finished the article. It is excellent.