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The Benefice of South Elmham & Ilketshall |
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The Anglican Communion Covenant At its meeting on Saturday 5th November our Diocesan Synod considered the draft act commonly known as 'The Anglican Covenant'.
The motion that was voted on was: “That this Synod approve the draft Act of Synod adopting the Anglican Communion Covenant”.
Two papers were presented: The Anglican Covenant – A Positive View - FAQ’s prepared by the Rt Revd Gregory K. Cameron, Bishop of St Asaph, Secretary of the Covenant Design Group, 2006-2009. 10 Reasons Why the Proposed Anglican Covenant is a Bad Idea – prepared by the Rt Revd Peter Selby, the retired Bishop of Worcester.
A passionate debate led to a vote against the covenant, after fears were expressed that it might be used as a tool of conformity, stifling locally appropriate prophetic expressions of ministry.
The voting was as follows: FOR: 2 Bishops, 9 Clergy, 8 Laity AGAINST: 0 Bishops, 29 Clergy, 33 Laity ABSTENTIONS: 0 Bishops, 4 Clergy, 9 Laity.
... and there was great rejoicing in heaven...…
It’s no secret that I oppose the idea of the Covenant. I think that it’s misguided and will remove much of the traditional nature of the Church of England – that “middle way between extremes” so expressed by the 16th century Doctor of the church, Richard Hooker, whose commemoration took place in our mid-week communion on November 3rd.
It’s interesting that whilst our Diocese swiftly sends out e-mails and bulletins about all sorts of administrative things, including the Cathedral e-zine which I never bother to read, I had to learn about this Synod vote three days after the event via the No Anglican Covenant website. Perhaps I’m just being paranoid …..
Richard Thornburgh
O God of truth and peace, who raised up your servant Richard Hooker in a day of bitter controversy to defend with sound reasoning and great charity the catholic and reformed religion: Grant that we may maintain that middle way, not as a compromise for the sake of peace, but as a comprehension for the sake of truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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