FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2007 issue of the Church of England Newspaper -
The case for the defence
Sir, Kenneth Kearon suggests (CEN May 25) that the decision not to invite
AMiA bishops, or the recently consecrated CANA Bishop, to the Lambeth
Conference relates to a precedent I set in 2000. This set my mind flashing
back to the circumstances of that period. My opposition to the consecration
of the two AMiA Bishops related to the setting up of Episcopal activity in
the United States which I regarded as unconstitutional and unnecessary (at
least at that period).
Although I regarded these bishops (both honourable and good men) as
'irregularly' consecrated, there was no question about the validity of their
consecrations.
This, of course, was before 2003 when the Episcopal Church clearly signalled
its abandonment of Communion norms, in spite of warnings from the Primates
that the consecration of a practising homosexual bishop would 'tear the
fabric of the Communion'.
It is not too much to say that everything has changed in the Anglican
Communion as a result of the consecration of Gene Robinson.
The Archbishop of Canterbury's prerogative to invite bishops to the
Conference is a lonely, personal and important task. Before each Conference
a number of careful decisions have to be taken, with the focus being on the
well-being of the Communion. The circumstances facing each Archbishop of
Canterbury will vary according to the needs of the hour. For these reasons,
I believe, that Dr Rowan Williams should not regard the advice he has
evidently received that this matter is 'fixed' as necessarily binding on him
in the very different circumstances of 2007. He and all his colleagues will
be in my thoughts and prayers.
Lord Carey of Clifton
London
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