Did you intend this?Dear editor, The primates' communique and draft Anglican covenant give a new structure to the Anglican Church of Canada, a system already operating without consent of any synod. Important decisions may be made by the bishops in council at Lambeth, without consulting church members. Those decisions are spoken by the Archbishop of Canterbury The Archbishop of Canterbury is the main leader of the Church of England and by convention is also recognised as head of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The current archbishop is Rowan Williams. (our Pope?), who chairs Lambeth and chooses attendees. Lambeth is not the only or final authority, however. The primates (our College of Cardinals College of Cardinals n. Roman Catholic Church The body of all the cardinals that elect the pope, assist him in governing the church, and administer the Holy See when the papacy is vacant. Noun 1. ?) may make decisions on behalf of the Anglican Communion. Their word is final. Responsibility for discipline rests with Canterbury and the Primates' Meeting; Archbishops Rowan Williams and Peter Akinola of the Church of Nigeria The Church of Nigeria is the Anglican Church in Nigeria. It is the second-largest Province in the Anglican Communion, as measured by baptized membership, after the Church of England. do not yet agree on their disciplinary capacities. In this system, power resides entirely with bishops; if synods contravene con·tra·vene tr.v. con·tra·vened, con·tra·ven·ing, con·tra·venes 1. To act or be counter to; violate: contravene a direct order. 2. the will of bishops, then penalties are imposed. I understand the strength of opinion which drives opponents of same-sex unions. However, I must ask you: Did you intend this? Are you comfortable placing all real authority in the hands of bishops and primates, robbing synods and national churches of any significant decision-making power? Much as I respect my Roman Catholic friends, I am horrified hor·ri·fy tr.v. hor·ri·fied, hor·ri·fy·ing, hor·ri·fies 1. To cause to feel horror. See Synonyms at dismay. 2. To cause unpleasant surprise to; shock. at the thought of living under a system built upon the worst aspects of theirs. Dr. William H. Harrison Keremeos, B.C. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion