Why I return with hope from the Church of England General Synod

from VirtueOnline:

Why I return with hope from the Church of England General Synod

By The Rev. Phil Ashey, J.D.
February 12, 2010

Ps. 71:5 "For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth."

It is always a privilege and an honor to serve with Bishop David Anderson on your behalf in the councils of the Anglican Communion. I am writing literally in the air on the way home to Atlanta, and wanted to share my reflections about our time in the U.K. During the week prior to the vote, we met with friends and supporters, leaders of the Church of England, those who are eager for more information about the Anglican Church in North America (AC-NA), and sponsors of the Private Member's motion expressing a desire for the General Synod of the Church of England to be in communion with the AC-NA.

Yes, I know that the original motion was entirely substituted by the language submitted by Bishop Mike Hill of Bristol on behalf of many (but certainly not all) in the House of Bishops. Yes, I know that the motion substituted our desire for the desire of the Synod (which is both factually inaccurate as to the origin of the motion, and falls short of the actual desires of those who brought this motion). Yes, I know this lays out a process of investigation and reporting back that postpones formal recognition of the AC-NA. I was there, sitting in the General Synod with Mrs. Ashworth and other sponsors and supporters as the debate unfolded.

No one will ever be able to accuse me of the virtue of patience. Like most Americans, I confess to living in a culture of microwaveable expectations, and a preference for immediate action. Nevertheless, I come home with great hope for the future of orthodox, Christ-centered, biblical and missional Anglicanism in North America and the UK. Here are the reasons for my hope: