Wednesday, March 21, 2012


The Rowan Williams approach to Anglican controversies

The Rowan Williams approach to Anglican controversies
John Sentamu is the favourite to replace Rowan Williams

By Trevor Timpson
BBC News
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17401973
March 16, 2012

There is no need to see Rowan Williams' announcement as a sign that he is being "forced out".

Dr Williams, 61, had been expected to announce his retirement soon; if he had not stayed to take part in this summer's Diamond Jubilee celebrations it would have been more of a surprise.

What is certain is that his departure will see an end to his own particular style of handling the serious controversies facing Anglicans - in Britain, the debate over women bishops; worldwide, the row over gay clergy.

An academic theologian, he lacks the politician's instinct to knock complicated arguments into two or three bullet points or a soundbite. So his contributions to debates on the two great Anglican controversies have been lengthy, carefully delivered, and incomprehensible to some.

This can leave both parties in an argument thinking he has backed their side, or it can leave both factions angry and feeling that he has fudged the issue.

Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org

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