Given my experience with the Anglican church and the fact that several good friends of mine identify as members, I am particularly saddened by the current difficulties it is going through and I hope that they can work things out in a fashion amenable to everyone at the upcoming Lambeth Conference.
Unfortunately, I’m not terribly optimistic, especially given the following description of the new discussion format to be applied this year:
Unlike the previous thirteen meetings, this year’s Lambeth conference will not feature large sessions ordered toward producing resolutions. It will instead consist of small discussion groups (called indaba, a Zulu term for “gathering”) aimed toward the eventual production of a communal “Reflections” document.
Some have been skeptical of the intent and effect of the new design. There may well be sound reasons for the change; it can be difficult for all voices to be heard in enormous parliamentary sessions. But some are concerned that the new design will actually have the effect of preventing any outcomes such as the ones at the 1998 meeting, where the numerical strength of Global South bishops led to the passage of resolutions that were unpalatable to Northern liberals.
Perhaps I’m being too uncharitably cynical, but when compared to what I’ve seen in the RC neighborhood regarding innovations (very) allegedly dictated by Vatican II, I’m not surprised to see this kind of thing happen when you let the Lib…er, religious progressives get their foot in the door.
Posted by evovae
