Bishops Rely on Talking Points?

Karen B. at TitusOneNine noticed a bit of parallel between the words of two bishops, Hollingsworth of Ohio and Smith of Arizona. In letters about invitations to the Lambeth Conference Hollingsworth writes:

"I write to let you know that I am aware of the current scope of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s invitations to the Lambeth Conference and respect his privilege and prerogative in making those invitations. I also want to be clear with you that I do not believe it is Bishop Robinson’s “manner of life” that has “caused exceptionally serious division or scandal within the Communion,” rather it is the divisive actions of those who have used it in an intentional effort to divide both The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion."

Meanwhile, in Arizona, Bp. Smith writes this:

"Certainly the Archbishop is within his rights to invite whomever he pleases. However, I cannot help but express my dismay that he would treat these men in the same way. Whatever you may think of Bishop Robinson, I do not believe that his manner of life has caused division or scandal in the communion, rather it is the actions of those who have used his ordination in an intentional effort to divide both our own Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion who are responsible."

Karen B. picks up another piece from the same letters. Hollingsworth:

"Bishop Robinson’s presence at the Lambeth Conference might be awkward or difficult for some of the other participants, but that is hardly uncommon in Christian community. There are plenty of bishops whose presence in the councils of the Church I find difficult, and doubtless plenty who find mine the same. However, Bishop Robinson, throughout his ministry, has been unfailingly honest and open, consistently establishing and maintaining trust within the diocese he has faithfully served and throughout the Church. Time and time again he has been an instrument of reconciliation and resolution."

Smith:

"Bishop Robinson’s participation at the Lambeth Conference might be awkward for some of the other participants, but that is hardly new. There are plenty of bishops whom I have a hard time working with, and doubtless they feel the same about me. But I can tell you from my own relationship with Bishop Robinson that he has been exemplary in maintaining an honest and open attitude of trust within his own Diocese, and in the House of Bishops, he as worked tirelessly to be an agent of reconciliation and resolution."


A coincidence, or are the bishops being spoon-fed talking points? You'd think that bishops could think for themselves, after all, we're told by our presiding bishop how smart our people are, but the evidence suggests that a good deal of group-think goes on in the HOB. It's a shame that the HOB is so myopic that they can't see how out of step they are with the Anglican Communion and the wider church. If these bishops were truly interested in being agents of reconciliation and resolution they would embrace the Windsor Report and comply with the Dar es Salaam Communique. Don't hold your breath.