wfn.org | [ENS] Eames "optimistic" about primates' gathering

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

10-15-2003

Eames "optimistic" about primates' gathering

By Dan England

[Episcopal News Service] Speaking just inside the gates of Lambeth Palace,
where 37 primates of the Anglican Communion are meeting, the Most Reverend
Robert (Robin) Eames, Archbishop of the Church of Ireland,  said today that
he is "optimistic that the Anglican Communion will emerge from this stronger
than it has ever been." He characterized the meeting as exhibiting
"openness, frankness and honesty" and an eagerness to "maintain the Anglican
Communion."

He emerged from the closed conference after the heads of every province of
the Anglican Communion, save one, had met for seven hours.  Eames said that
each participant had been "telling the story of how the provinces have
reacted" to the "developments that the Archbishop of Canterbury thought
necessary to bring to our attention.  "Those stories represent the cultural
differences right across our Communion."  He emphasized his opinion that the
primates were "moving towards a consensus...to maintain the collegiality,
cooperation and the common faith" and said repeatedly that the bishops had
expressed their desire to "to maintain the Anglican Communion."  He
described predictions of the breakup of the Communion as "unfounded."

Later today, the bishops will meet for Evening Prayer, followed by dinner. A
working session will take them into the evening, which will end in silent
prayer and Compline.  A final press conference will be held tomorrow at
Church House in London, tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. London time.

--Dan England is the Director of Communication at the Episcopal Church