wfn.org | Report reflects desire for unity, Canadian Anglican Primate

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

Report reflects desire for unity, Canadian Anglican Primate says

Toronto, October 18, 2004 -- The report of the Eames Commission on the
unity of the Anglican Communion reflects a "positive will" to keep the
international church together, says Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, Primate
of the Anglican Church of Canada.

In a statement released shortly after the report was made public,
Archbishop Hutchison said it is "significant" that the commission issued
a unanimous report, despite the fact that its members "cover a broad
spectrum of geography, culture and theology."

The commission, under the leadership of Archbishop Robin Eames of
Armagh, was established by the Archbishop of Canterbury about a year
ago, to study how the Communion can be kept together despite divergent
theological views.

The unity of the Communion has been strained by the blessing of same-sex
unions in one diocese of the Canadian church, and by the ordination of a
gay bishop in the U.S. Episcopal Church.

Archbishop Hutchison said in his statement that the Eames report would
be considered at a meeting of Canadian bishops later this month, and by
the Anglican church's chief governing council when it meets in November.

The full text of Archbishop Hutchison's statement follows:

	"This morning I received a copy of the report of the Lambeth
Commission on Communion (Eames Commission). The Commission was created
by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and chaired by Archbishop
Robin Eames of Armagh, the senior Metropolitan in the Anglican
Communion. It's mandate was to maximize Communion within the worldwide
Anglican family despite significant theological differences.

	The Commission members cover a broad spectrum of geography,
culture and theology. Their meetings have been totally in camera with no
interim reporting to the Communion. It is significant that the
Commission has submitted unanimous recommendations in spite of the
cultural and theological differences of its members. This indicates that
there is a positive will to maintain the unity of the diverse Anglican
Communion. The fact that Commission members can speak with one voice
holds open the door of hope that our Church can, with prayer and
dialogue persevere in seeking unity.

	It is now incumbent upon us, the Canadian Church, as it is for
all provinces of the Anglican Communion to study the document and its
recommendations. In keeping with the nature of the Anglican Communion,
each province is entitled to respond with its own voice and from its own
cultural and theological context. We look forward to hearing responses
from all Anglican provinces.

	The bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada will receive a copy
of the report today and it will be discussed at our next House of
Bishops meeting in Saskatoon from November 1-4. As well the commission
report will be on the agenda of the Council of General Synod when it
meets at the end of November. The report will also be distributed to
Dioceses across Canada for study and comment. We have set up a mechanism
to receive feedback and will look forward to receiving comments from
Anglicans and our ecumenical partners. I will be able to share these
thoughts when I meet with the other Primates of the Anglican Communion
in Belfast, Northern Ireland in February."

	Andrew Hutchison
	Archbishop and Primate

Links:

*	The Lambeth Commission on Communion
       http://windsor2004.anglicancommunion.org/index.cfm

- 30 -

For more information please contact VIANNEY (SAM) CARRIERE, Director of
Communications, 416 924 9199 EXT. 306; scarriere@national.anglican.ca or
PAUL FEHELEY, Principal Secretary to the Primate, 416 924 9199, ext.
277, pfeheley@national.anglican.ca