The actions of the Episcopal Church’s General Convention during the summer of 2003 changing the church’s historic perspective on sexuality have triggered grave concerns that the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church may be too deeply divided to continue in their present forms.

This page provides information on the steps being taken at the international, national and local levels to consider and influence the future of the communion.

 

International Summary In August of 2003, the Episcopal Church’s general Convention proceeded with two controversial decisions in spite of the calls of many throughout the Anglican Communion that such would “tear the fabric” of the communion as it exists today. In June 2004 the Anglican Church in Canada passed a resolution at its General Synod to "affirm the integrity and sanctity" of same sex relationships. Several provinces throughout the Anglican Communion have responded by indicating that they are in broken or impaired communion with the Episcopal Church or the Anglican Church of Canada.  Some of these are refusing monetary support from the Episcopal Church as a result. Lambeth Commission on Communion Established by the Archbishop of Canterbury in response to the crisis.  Charged with looking at the future of the Anglican Communion and the relationships that bind it together. Due to report back to the Archbishop of Canterbury in October 2004. Statement from the Primates The Primates of the worldwide Anglican Communion met in extraordinary session on 15-16 October, 2003. News Anglican synod ‘affirms’ integrity of same-sex relationships (6/3/2004) Statement of the Global South Primates (5/19/2004) Correspondence between the Most Revd Drexel Gomez and the Most Revd Robin Eames (5/18/2004) Communion survival ‘will come at a cost’ (5/17/04) Archbishop calls on Church Community for understanding over gay appointments (5/17/2004) Letter from Archbishop Robin Eames (4/29/04) Church of Nigeria News: "Keep Your Wealth to Yourself!" (4/19/2004) Other news from ACNS National Summary Many dioceses and parishes are waiting for the results of the Lambeth Commission before taking significant action. A few have not: some parishes have decided to associate with other Anglican provinces in place of the Episcopal church, while others have proceeded in various forms to bless same sex unions. Various forms of alternative episcopal oversight have been discussed or tried where parishes find themselves alienated from their diocesan bishop. A Network of diocese and parishes has been formed as “a missionary movement of Anglicans in fellowship with global Anglicanism.”    Observations Kevin Martin has written a series of three articles on the future of the Episcopal Church, including a detailed look at church membership statistics. (Part I, Part II and Part III) Local - Diocese of Virginia Summary The diocese shows significant division over the issues.  A variety of resolutions were considered at annual council in January 2004, but were largely tabled in favor of forming two commissions to study aspects of the crisis. Some parishes and many individuals are redirecting some or all of the financial support they would normally provide the diocese to other Anglican entities. Reconciliation Commission This group is chartered to determine how the diocese “can prayerfully reflect on our differences and discern God’s will in addressing those differences”. They are to lead discussions around this topic and provide recommendations to the January 2005 Annual Council. Task Force on Giving This group is chartered to consider whether the Diocese should retain its present system of voluntary giving from parishes to the Diocese, or if some form of compulsory giving is needed. They are also considering the options for parishes and individual to support specific diocesan programs in place of the general fund as a matter of conscientious objection. News Episcopalians rip plan for diocese (6/3/2004)