Anglican Consultative Council Meets in Nottingham, England
Source: American Anglican Council
June 17, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Cynthia P. Brust
44 773 314 5879 (UK mobile)
202–412–8721 (US mobile)
Nottingham — Members of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) are gathering in Nottingham, England this week. While Anglican Communion Office (ACO) staff members tout a large and diverse agenda, the central point of interest will be presentations by the Episcopal Church USA (ECUSA) and the Anglican Church of Canada. At their February meeting in Newry, North Ireland, Primates of the Anglican Communion called upon these two provinces to “set out the thinking behind the recent actions of their Provinces, in accordance with paragraph 141 of the Windsor Report.”
The Windsor Report also requested that ECUSA explain how same-sex blessings “constitute growth and harmony with the apostolic tradition as it has been received.” In 2003, the Episcopal Church consecrated as bishop a non-celibate homosexual, as well as approved a resolution approving development of rites for blessings of same-sex unions. The vast majority of the Anglican Communion has decried these theological innovations that are clearly contrary to Scripture and Christian tradition. The U.S. presentation is scheduled for June 21, 2005 beginning mid-morning.
The Rt. Rev. Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, will lead the American group and will be joined by the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, Bishop of Atlanta; the Rev. Michael Battle, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Vice President of Virginia Theological Seminary; the Rt. Rev. Charles Jenkins, Bishop of Louisiana; the Rt. Rev. Catherine Roskam, Suffragan Bishop of New York; the Rev. Susan Russell, President of Integrity; and Mrs. Jane Tully of Clergy Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (C-FLAG).
Described by Bishop Griswold as a group representing the “diversity” of the Episcopal Church, only Bishop Jenkins voted against the two measures at General Convention 2003, and he is a strong supporter of Bishop Griswold, claiming in a PBS interview that the Presiding Bishop is “orthodox.” The other individuals represent a revisionist theology and radical wing of the Episcopal Church. There will be no voice from the wide array of Episcopalians outraged and betrayed by actions of General Convention 2003, including Anglo-Catholics, charismatics, evangelicals, and even moderates who believe these decisions should be reconsidered. In May, Bishop Griswold said the ECUSA presentation would address issues “scriptural and theological; the reality of homosexuality in the life and experience of faithful persons and families; and a witness to the fact that divergent points of view on issues of sexuality need not be church dividing, and that those who stand in different places can make common cause together in the service of Christ’s mission.”
In a political move perfected by the Episcopal Church, there will be two groups representing ECUSA. While asked by Primates to withdraw from this meeting, the American ACC delegation — Bishop Roskam; the Rev. Robert Sessum of Lexington, Ky.; and Ms. Josephine Hicks of Charlotte, N.C. — will not “officially” participate but will nevertheless be present to “observe” and, one can be assured, to lobby.
Staff of the American Anglican Council will be present for the entire meeting and will issuing regular reports on the proceedings.