wfn.org | ACNS: Canadian Primate welcomes statement by Archbishop of Canterbury

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

ACNS 3035 - CANADA - 20 June 2002

Primate welcomes statement by Archbishop of Canterbury

[The Anglican Church of Canada] The Primate of the Anglican Church of
Canada, Archbishop Michael Peers, welcomed the open letter from the
Archbishop of Canterbury to the Revd Dr Trevor Walters.

Dr Walters had earlier written to Archbishop Carey asking for his direct
intervention in the Diocese of New Westminster. In his letter Archbishop
Carey said that, while his own position on same-sex relations is known, he
is "sorry to learn that some walked out of the Synod debate" and "alarmed by
the statements of those who appear to be determined to look elsewhere for
episcopal oversight in place of the extended episcopal support which Bishop
Ingham has offered."

Archbishop Peers was encouraged by the letter from Archbishop Carey, saying
that, "while his views on same-sex relationships are well-known, what is not
so often acknowledged is his deep commitment to the unity of the church." He
praised the Archbishop as a model who "even in the face of strong
disagreements, including his own convictions on the issue of homosexuality,
has acted to uphold the church's order."

Archbishop Peers expressed reservation in response to one aspect of
Archbishop Carey's letter - his proposal to refer the issue to the September
meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council.

"Our national meetings of the Council of General Synod and the House of
Bishops will not have taken place at that time, and external advice that
precedes our process of consultation within the Anglican Church of Canada
could be perceived as not appropriate," said Archbishop Peers.

In a related matter, the Primate stated that he has decided not to call an
emergency meeting of the House of Bishops at this time, given practical and
financial considerations, "but even more importantly, given the need for us
to be patient and to come well prepared to the discussion of this issue at
our meeting in October. Both in our own times and through the centuries,
Anglicans have best discerned the will of God, the mind of Christ and the
leading of the Spirit by taking time rather than by making haste."

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