With regard to those dioceses and congregations which have left their original provinces and joined themselves to others, the Group recommends that the Pastoral Forum "develop a scheme in which existing ad hoc jurisdictions could be held `in trust' in preparation for their reconciliation within their proper Provinces". Such a scheme might reflect the way religious orders relate to the wider Church, or the way an extended family cares for children from a dysfunctional nuclear family, or the way escrow accounts hold monies in trust for their original owners.

In his prepared remarks, Bp. Hanford explained that the groups which had pulled apart might be placed in a "holding-bay" not dependent on any other Province, but linked to the Pastoral Forum. In response to questions, he explained that this provision is meant to deal only with those who are already out, not for further withdrawals. Asked if this might take the form of provincial oversight from Canterbury, Bp. Hanford stated that this possibility "will doubtless be considered".

"Ways of halting litigation must be explored", the Group asserts, "and perhaps the escrow concept could even be extended to have some applicability here". In response to a question about whether this meant those who had pulled out might get their property back, Bp. Hanford replied that this "would require working out".

In response to a question about the fairness of providing a safe space for conservatives, but not for lesbian and gay people like the Nigerian man recently given asylum, Bp. Hanford said that he heard what was being said, but noted that this is a preliminary report, and drew attention to the final section. Reaffirm Commitments

Finally, the WCG calls upon the bishops to "reaffirm the commitments expressed" in two statements. The first is Lambeth 1998's call for "all our people to minister pastorally and sensitively to all irrespective of sexual orientation and to condemn irrational fear of homosexuals, violence within marriage and any trivialisation and commercialisation of sex". The second is the Primates' statement at Dromantine that "the victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us. We assure homosexual people that they are children of God, loved and valued by him, and deserving of the best we can give of pastoral care and friendship".

Read it all.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Church of England (CoE) • Lambeth 2008

1. DonGander wrote: “In his prepared remarks, Bp. Hanford explained that the groups which had pulled apart might be placed in a “holding-bay” not dependent on any other Province” What is the difference between that plan and a godly and helpful Archbishop taking these orphans under their wings? The only reason I can see for this new plan is that someone wants control that either does not now control or fears losing control. Don July 28, 6:40 pm | [comment link]

2. COLUMCIL wrote: We are no longer welcome to “help” those conflicted.  If I tried to begin a ministry to “help” gays or lesbians, I’d be kicked out of most TEC circles.  In fact, I’d be thrown out!  It’s not possible.  What is possible is to continue with charity which, by the way, has never been withheld.  Never. July 28, 6:59 pm | [comment link]

3. Daniel wrote: There will be no “safe space” created for the orthodox in The Episcopal Communion as the result of any piece of paper or Instrument of Communion.  The depositions and persecution of those who dare to challenge the Schori canons (using the definitive Schori/Beers understanding of them) will continue.  Remember, Russia outlawed capital punishment soon after the 1917 revolution, but that didn’t help folks under Stalin, did it? July 28, 10:46 pm | [comment link]

4. Baruch wrote: One problem, the TEC is not a proper province, it is apostate and heretical. July 29, 12:17 am | [comment link]

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