wfn.org | [ENS] Media alert for Primates' Meeting in London, October 15-16

["mika larson" <mini.mika@verizon.net>]

10/1/2003

Media alert for Primates' Meeting in London, October 15-16
  
[Anglican Communion News Service/Episcopal News Service] The Anglican
Communion Office and Lambeth Palace have announced the proposed media
arrangements for the Primates' Meeting scheduled for October 15-16 in
London. 
The meeting was called by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams in the
wake of decisions by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church USA
to confirm the election of Gene Robinson, an openly priest living in a
committed relationship, as bishop in the Diocese of New Hampshire and
recognition that some dioceses are blessing same-gender relationships.

Although the meetings of archbishops/presiding bishops/moderators of the
38 members of the Anglican Communion are not legislative, they have
served as important conversations about common issues throughout the
church.

Background information will be posted on the ACNS web site at
www.anglicancommunion.org beginning October 4 and journalists are urged
to check the site for further details on the meeting.

The meetings are private meetings and therefore neither visitors nor
press are permitted to attend. A single pooled access opportunity is
being considered for the early part of the meeting to provide some
visual images. There will be no other access to Lambeth Palace, the
London home and offices of the archbishop of Canterbury. Satellite
trucks will not be allowed to part anywhere near the gates to the
palace.

As plans develop, it may be possible to arrange briefings for
journalists for updates as the meeting progresses, although the primates
themselves may make that decision once the meeting convenes. It is not
likely that any of the primates will be available to the media once the
meeting begins. Lambeth/ACO staff will, however, pass on written
requests for interviews.

A final press conference is planned, most likely on October 16, at a
location not yet announced. Space will be limited so pre-registration
will be needed.  Final details will be available on the ACNS web site. 

Contacts:

James Rosenthal at the Anglican Communion Office, tel. 011 44207 921
0398 or e-mail at StNicholasMyra@aol.com.

The Rev. Jonathan Jennings and Sarah Williams are contacts for the
archbishop of Canterbury and can be reached at 011 44207 898 1280 or
e-mail at jonathan.jennings@lampal.c-of-e.org.uk.