Anglican leaders under pressure to prevent schism

At Wednesday's meeting, 38 church leaders will grapple with how to avoid a split between traditionalist and liberal factions.

from the February 13, 2007 edition

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Bishop Duncan says he's looking to this meeting to produce a mechanism for providing alternative oversight to that of Bishop Jefferts Schori, either from the whole body of primates or a smaller group. And he wants the primates to call for an end to litigation in the US.

As dissident congregations have pulled out of Episcopal dioceses, the dioceses have sued to retain hold of church properties. Duncan has taken his own diocese out of the church's Province III, and is being sued by a local parish.

"Asking for alternative oversight is an interim position," says Joan Gundersen, of Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh, which opposes Duncan's actions. The leadership "stated explicitly in a document that they want a constitutional convention facilitated by the primates that would allow them to become the new Anglican franchise in the US."

The Episcopal Church has "moved outside its own theological boundaries," Duncan says. He charges that the church does not trust the authority of scripture, "which is clear about God's purposes in creation of man and woman," and is disregarding "the uniqueness of Jesus Christ ... as the only way to the Father."

Jefferts Schori has been criticized for supporting gay leadership and for statements saying Jesus is unique for Christians, but that God may also act in other ways.

"The theology espoused by the presiding bishop is absolutely consistent with the creeds," says the Rev. Ian Douglas, of Episcopal Divinity School. "People are using scripture in a dangerous way – it is a living document and not something to be used as a proof text or a club."

After African leaders said they wouldn't sit with Jefferts Schori and requested other US bishops be invited, Dr. Williams asked Duncan and two others to come Tanzania to speak to primates in a session before their meeting.

Bishop Christopher Epting, head of the Episcopal Ecumenical and Interfaith office, will discuss how the crisis has affected ties with other religious groups.

"While the issues of homosexuality are of concern to our ecumenical partners, no one has broken off dialogues with us, and their real concern is that the Communion hang together," he says. "They're concerned that things not deconstruct before we have the opportunity to work through the new covenant."

The Anglican Covenant, now under development, will articulate more explicitly the principles that hold the Communion together. National churches – which are autonomous – would commit to the principles in order to be part of the Communion. Currently, churches need only have ties with Canterbury to be members.

The question is whether the process will unfold. Akinola has threatened not to show up at the Lambeth Conference unless the controversies are resolved.

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