The California deputation concluded from conversations that included more than 200 lay and clergy members of the diocese that the proposed covenant "would alter Anglicanism at [its] basic level, and not for the better." The deputation also held up the "Indaba process," a Zulu word that refers to conferences where all participants have an equal voice. This process was introduced at the Lambeth Conference of 2008 as a way to bring bishops from around the communion together in small groups to discuss matters of importance in their own context. The California deputation's summary stated that the Indaba example and other expressions of mutuality "are far more life-giving in the Gospel and Spirit-filled than pursuing the formal structures offered by the proposed Anglican Covenant." (My emphasis)
Indaba! Indaba!
From the letter to Dr. Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies and The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate from the General Convention Deputation of the Episcopal Diocese of California:
We note our deep value of the Anglican Communion, The Episcopal Church's constituent part in it, and our ongoing desire to participate in its common life. We cherish our developing diocesan companion relationships and the inter-provincial relationships in shared mission a number of our congregations enjoy. Many of these relationships already transcend cultural and theological differences, witness to our unity in Christ, and reflect the diversity that has been part of our Christian heritage all the way back to the first apostolic Council of Jerusalem.
It IS possible to value the Anglican Communion, while at the same time viewing the Anglican Covenant as detrimental to furthering the bonds of unity in Christ amongst the churches of the communion. Thanks to the deputation at the diocesan for making the concept crystal clear.
Read the entire letter at the diocesan website or at the link to The Lead below.
H/T to Ann Fontaine at The Lead.
Keep those noes a-comin'! Indaba! Indaba!
