wfn.org | ACNS3658 Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury following

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3658     |     LAMBETH PALACE     |     3 NOVEMBER 2003

Statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury following the consecration of
Canon Gene Robinson as Bishop-coadjutor of New Hampshire

Please note: Strict Embargo to 0030 hrs Monday 3rd November 2003

[ACNS Source: Lambeth Palace] The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan
Williams, has issued a statement following the consecration of Canon Gene
Robinson as bishop coadjutor of New Hampshire. The text is below.

"It was recognised fully at last month's meeting of Anglican leaders that
the consecration of Gene Robinson as Bishop in New Hampshire would have very
serious consequences for the cohesion of the Anglican Communion. That
meeting requested the setting up of a Commission which would examine these
consequences in depth. Last week the membership of that group was announced
and I look forward to being in close touch with it as its work develops.

"The meeting also encouraged me to be in discussion with the leaders of the
provinces concerned about provisions made for those alienated by decisions
which appear to go against Catholic order or biblical teaching. Such
discussion has already begun.

"The divisions that are arising are a matter of deep regret; they will be
all too visible in the fact that it will not be possible for Gene Robinson's
ministry as a bishop to be accepted in every province in the communion.

"It is clear that those who have consecrated Gene Robinson have acted in
good faith on their understanding of what the constitution of the American
church permits. But the effects of this upon the ministry and witness of the
overwhelming majority of Anglicans particularly in the non-western world
have to be confronted with honesty.

"The autonomy of Anglican provinces is an important principle. But precisely
because we rely on relations more than rules, consultation and
interdependence are essential for our health.

"The Primates meeting last month expressed its desire to continue as "a
communion where what we hold in common is much greater than that which
divides us". We need now to work very hard to giving new substance to this,
and to pray for wisdom, patience and courage as we move forward."

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