The Lambeth Conference... then and now!

The idea persists that the Lambeth Conference is a sort of Legislative Body or Court of Appeal which propagates laws for the Anglican Communion throughout the world and settles differences. But this position it has always declined (Emphasis added), believing that under special circumstances, i.e. the different governments under which the churches live, and the various races of which they are composed (like the various nations which make up the Empire which, as we know, is held together far more by a common tradition of loyalty than by actual organization) it will better fulfill its purpose by remaining a conference pure and simple and recording its findings in a series of Resolutions and Recommendations to be freely received by those who value them, than by claiming the position of an authoritative Synod. (Emphasis added)


It is true that there is a Consultative Committee attached to the Conference which sits from time to time and which Bishops may consult as its name implies, and most useful it is. But this does not alter the nature of the Conference as I have described it. Further, it does seem as though the thorny problem of Reunion in South India has been submitted to the Conference for settlement. But it is still true that all the Bishops can do is to state the principles which in their judgment are true and binding, and leave those who are concerned to apply them. Our responsibility is of course immense, but it is a responsibility of discerning truth not dictating a policy (Emphasis added). Again being a world conference, it does not discuss local problems, as e.g. the Rejection of the Prayer Book by the House of Commons. It can no more do that than the British Parliament can busy itself with the internal affairs of the Dominion of Canada.

This will be the third Conference that I shall have attended. The first was in 1908, the second (delayed by the Great War) in 1920, and the third this year, 1930. I see in my "Notes" of nearly ten years ago, I referred to the last Conference as by general consent epoch-making, especially as to the Reunion question. So what then will this be? The general impression, well-founded as I think, is that that problem, like other, has moved on to phases of appalling complexity and difficulty. In realms of thought, as of life, it is becoming an increasingly difficult world. But also I note then, what is more cheering, our conviction of the Holy Spirit's presence.

The Rt Rev. Francis Every, Bishop of Argentina and Eastern South America, 1930.

So far...

Thanks be to Wordle...

The Ordinariate: A still-born option?

After the Vatican's announcement about the Ordinariate, a structure created to receive unhappy Anglicans to the fold of the Roman Church, so far, and as far as I know -- and despite protestations of interest -- not a single priest/congregation has crossed the Tiber. Why there is such reluctance? I don't really know, however there are a few hints-- Stipends and property.

Rome can ill afford to support the imported clergy. And if it were to do so, it would create a even larger problem within its own fold. Anglican clergy is better paid than than diocesan Roman clergy. And to add insult to injury, some of the new starlets will be married, something that for the Roman clergy is a no-no. Therefore, the "Coetibus Anglicans" will have to get themselves a secular job to support themselves, and keep themselves and their spouses away from the locals. To wit,

Clergy in the Ordinariate would have to be in secular employment because the Roman Catholic Church could not raise the money — £64,000 in his case in London — to keep them in a house and stipend. (Church Times, http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=93683)

For them, then, just plain old conversion may be a better option: "Fr North said that the Ordinariate could become irrelevant: 'If we reach a point where staying is not an option, then traditional conversion is far more likely to offer the kind of enrichment and ministry that we know now.'"

The issue of property is a hot topic as well. Their houses of worship will have to stay on this side of the Tiber. In some places there may be some arrangement for the congregation leasing the old property from the Church, but I doubt the Diocese would be amenable to such a proposition. Litigation? They will have absolutely no chance. There is no court that will support a claim that "they never left the Anglican Communion".

Rome is not new to power plays. I am beginning to wonder if this so-called invitation was not something that Rome devised to get the troublemakers off its back, knowing well in advance that the massive exodus would end in being no more than a few souls here and there- Put up or shut up. If so, hat tip to Benedictus!

Note to TEC, the ACoC, and like-minded folks: Is there a lesson to be learned here?

Property Litigation II

This is Bethlehem Anglican Church, Formosa, Diocese of Northern Argentina, left roofless not by Property Litigation but by a more mundane hurricane. The people of St John's Cathedral in Buenos Aires will be funding a new roof and some other improvements.

Property Litigation I

This is how some of our brothers and sisters live in Formosa (Diocese of Northern Argentina). I am sure that many more live in the same condition - or even worse, if that were to be possible - in other parts of the world. You will realize why it is difficult for me to sympathize with "Property Litigation". How about tithing the Legal Expenses to pay for decent housing for those whose dignity we have vowed to respect?