Houston, We Have a Problem: Nairobi Communique at Odds with AMiA Claims

from Stand Firm by Greg Griffith

A recently-released communique from the Church of Kenya recounting developments at the meeting in Nairobi to discuss the damaged relationship between the Church of Rwanda and the AMiA raises new questions about what, exactly, was agreed to by both parties.

A source close to the negotiations who wished to remain anonymous said, "This statement appears to contradict statements by the AMiA bishops about what happened in Nairobi. The Nairobi statement seems to be saying that the AMiA bishops agreed to all of Rwanda's requests; the AMiA says something very different."

Here is the text of the communique. The PDF is here.

COMMUNIQUE FROM ARCHBISHOP ELIUD REGARDING THE JANUARY 4TH RECONCILIATION MEETING BETWEEN THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF RWANDA AND AMiA

On Wednesday January 4th, 2012 a reconciliation meeting was in Nairobi, Kenya, held between the leaders of the Anglican Mission in America (AMiA) and the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda [PEAR] at the invitation of the Most Rev'd Dr. Eliud Wabukala, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya [ACK] and Chairman of the Primates Council of the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans [GAFCON/FCA}

Present were the Most Rev'd Dr. Elîud Wabukala (ACK), the Most Rev'd Onesphore Rwage (PEAR), the Rt. Rev'd Lauren Mbanda (PEAR), Rt. Rev'd Chuck Murphy (AMiA) and the Rt. Rev'd John Miller (AMiA). Also present were the Most Rev'd Ikechi Nwosu (Church of Nigeria), the Rt. Rev'd Ioseph Kanuku (ACK), the Rt. Rev'd Timothy Ranji (ACK), the Rt. Kalu (ACK) and the Rt. Rev'd Dr. Gideon Githiga (ACK).

The Chairman made it clear that while there had been a painful and very public breakdown in the relationship between the leadership of the Anglican Mission in America and the Anglican Church of Rwanda he was confident that by God's grace reconciliation could be achieved and harmony restored. He invited both sides to present their concerns openly and urged all present to listen prayerfully.

Bishop Chuck Murphy began by expressing his profound regret for the broken relationship and stressed his commitment to lead AMiA as a single-minded mission agency. He was deeply distressed by the public accusations made against him but remains determined to fulfill the mandate that had been given to him and Bishop John Rodgers when they were consecrated in Singapore in January 2000, by Archbishops Kolini and Tay.

Archbishop Onesphore Rwage also acknowledged his deep distress at the broken relationships since he counted Bishop Murphy to be a friend of many years. He also expressed his appreciation for the amazing work that has been accomplished by the AMiA. His concerns were focused on the confusion brought about by the continuing role of the former Archbishop, the lack of financial transparency and the recently announced plans to separate from the Church of Rwanda and function independently without adequate prayer or consultation.

After a lengthy discussion between all parties, including those present as observers, the following points were agreed to:

1. They were all resolved that forgiveness should come from both sides of the divide.

2. The founding Fathers {Archbishops Kolini, Young and Tay) should work together with the incumbent Archbishop of Rwanda with the former acknowledging the ecclesiastical authority ofthe latter.

3. The Church of Rwanda agreed to stop looking at AMiA's mistakes and look forward and walk together for the sake of the Gospel.

4. AMiA agreed that they remain canonically under the Church of Rwanda and accept the doctrine of forgiveness.

5. The Archbishop of Rwanda and Bishop Murphy agreed to start the process of forgiveness with both acknowledging that things went wrong between them. They both agreed that when they start talking together the misunderstandings will be clarified and corrected.

6. AMiA agreed to continue to work with the Church of Rwanda and that other plans for restructuring will be put on hold for six [6] months to allow time for healing and for other fruitful discussions.

7. The next steps for the two leaders would be for the Archbishop of Rwanda to talk with his House of Bishops and for Bishop Chuck Murphy to meet with his Council of Bishops to begin the work of reconciliation between both groups.

Archbishop Eliud commended those gathered for their hard work and determination to allow the Holy Spirit to break down barriers of misunderstanding and begin the process of healing and restoration. He assured them of his prayers as they move forward together Walking in the light of God's amazing grace.

On behalf of all those who gathered

The Most Rev'd Eliud Wabukala January 17, 2012