By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
9/2/2008
More than 300 clergy and laity from the Dioceses of Quincy and Springfield met at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Springfield, August 30. In a powerful show of unity both dioceses pledged to work together, but scotched talk of merger.
"The meeting was billed as a post Global Anglican Futures Conference (GAFCON) and Lambeth Conference gathering to assess where the Anglican Communion, The Episcopal Church, our Dioceses, our congregations and our members are and what the future might hold for all of the above," Springfield Bishop Peter Beckwith told VOL.
"Bishop Keith Ackerman (Quincy) and I gave our perspectives, followed by the Rev. Canon Ed den Blaauwen, Canon Missioner of the Diocese of Quincy, who was in attendance at both GAFCON and Lambeth, and the Ven. Shawn Denney, Archdeacon of the Diocese of Springfield. We each talked specifically about the positive dynamics of the GAFCON and the woeful non-productiveness of the Lambeth Conference," said Beckwith. Other special visitors included Bishop Donald Parsons (6th bishop of Quincy) and The Very Rev. Robert Munday, Dean of Nashotah House.
While rumors abounded that an alliance would merge the two dioceses, that notion was quickly squashed. "Such an attempt would have to be done at a legislative meeting and this is not such a meeting. To merge the two dioceses would require passage at both synods of Springfield and Quincy as well as consent by the house of Bishops and I doubt that would happen," said Beckwith.
The Rev. Robert M. Lewis, Vicar of All Saints, Morton, IL clarified that both bishop Ackerman and Bishop Beckwith will continue as visitors in each other's dioceses. "Each pledged to uphold each others' ministry and assist where appropriate," he said.
An idea, floated on November 2007 that both bishops would be designated "Assistant Bishop of Springfield" and Bishop Beck would be designated as "Assistant bishop of Quincy", was scotched because each bishop could face ecclesiastical trial. (Geographically both dioceses are separated by the Illinois River). Beckwith noted the ecclesiastical challenge they both would face even though the Bishop of Navajoland is also the bishop in another province.
"This demonstrates the theological bias that shows. The geography of the state would make it somewhat easier for Beckwith to assist in the southernmost parishes in Quincy (such as St. John's, Quincy) and Bishop Beckwith to assist at the northernmost parishes in Springfield (All Saints', Morton). The clergy of the two dioceses currently meet quarterly at a joint clericus meeting to discuss further working together."
Fr. Desmond Francis (Rector, Christ the King, Normal) suggested that the Presiding Bishop be invited to a forum where people could hear for themselves whether or not her theology would stand the litmus test of orthodoxy and then, after a period of discernment make appropriate steps to leave TEC, if they were so moved.
He received applause from both Quincy and Springfield clergy and laity. A number of clergy spoke of the frustration they have had with media spin claiming that the next thing on the horizon would be a watershed moment.
The ordination of women was raised regarding increasing cooperation between Springfield and Quincy. (Beckwith ordains women, Ackerman does not). Beckwith noted the history behind the Philadelphia Eleven and the current disagreement about the issue. Both bishops, however, pledged to respect the positions of each others' dioceses. The clergy and laity applauded the decision.
Both bishops said they would move forward with the Common Cause Partnership and a commitment to creedal orthodoxy. Beckwith said he regretted the absence of bishops from Continuing Anglican bodies who were not permitted to attend Lambeth, and he particularly noted the absence of Recife Bishop Robinson Cavalcanti (Brazil).
Both Diocesan bishops jointly concelebrated Eucharist at the conference's end.
In a statement about his attendance at both GAFCON and Lambeth, Bishop Beckwith noted that GAFCON was falsely accused of being a schismatic movement. "The theology and history of our Church is clear, the schismatics are those who cause the separation, not those who declare separation is occurring as a result of the heresy and apostasy being espoused." Beckwith criticized the Lambeth Conference, noting that the overwhelming majority of the bishops present were orthodox.
"It was also important to experience clarity about how serious the crisis is which we have allowed to engulf the Anglican Communion. Unlike GAFCON, there was a high degree of tension, stress and political maneuvering.
A good many things were problematic. The Episcopal Church (TEC) had the largest number of bishops present. Though representing one of the smallest Provinces, we attempted -- albeit mostly in vain -- to exert an undue influence over the proceedings. TEC, along with Canada, were a small minority pressing the homosexual agenda to the chagrin of the clear majority."
"The question that must be answered sooner rather than later for the Anglican Communion not to be dragged down by TEC is this: Is non-celibate homosexual behavior a wholesome example for Christians and blessed by God or not? The GAFCON says it is not. The Lambeth Conference did not specifically address the question."
Beckwith said a proposed covenant could be "too little too late". Those who embrace the orthodox faith are frustrated by waiting and listening with no prospect of an acceptable resolution being achieved, he said.
The Lambeth Conference did not appear to contain the "glue" necessary to keep the Anglican Communion in tack simply because words are not enough, he concluded.
Beckwith said he was reminded of St. Paul's words "...if our Gospel is veiled, it is veil to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them" (2 Cor. 4:3-4).
Beckwith said he would continue to relate to TEC canonically, at least for the time being, but recognizing he has little in common with them, theologically or spiritually.
Bishop Ackerman was on vacation and not available for comment.
END
No comments:
Post a Comment