CAREY SEES TWO ANGLICAN BODIES AS REAL POSSIBILITY

Steady drive towards fragmentation could split Communion, says leader

Special Report

By David W. Virtue

HONG KONG (Sept. 16) -The leader of the Anglican Communion Dr. George Carey told delegates to a consultation of world Anglican leaders that the Communion is being steadily undermined by dioceses and individual bishops taking unilateral action on sexuality issues that could lead to serious fragmentation resulting in the formation of two or more distinct Anglican bodies.

In his farewell address as president of the Anglican Consultative Council, Carey stunned his hearers saying that the "erosion of communion through the adoption of 'local options' has been going on for some thirty years but in my opinion is reaching crisis proportions today."

"We have seen the formation of the AMIA (Anglican Mission in America) in the United States and scarcely a week goes by without some report reaching me of clergy teetering on the brink of leaving the Anglican Communion for that body."

"I have been clear in my condemnation of the schism created by AMIA and the actions of those primates and other bishops who consecrated the six bishops. Sadly, I see little sign of willingness on the part of some bishops in the Communion to play their part in discouraging teaching or action that leads some conscientious clergy to conclude that they have no option other than to leave us for the AMIA."

Addressing the situation in the Diocese of New Westminster where Bishop Michael Ingham is in conflict with a dozen clergy over recently passed diocesan legislation approving rites for same-sex marriage, Carey said, "I deeply regret that Michael and his synod, and other bishops and dioceses in similar situations in North America seem to be making such decisions without regard to the rest of us and against the clear statements of Lambeth '98."

"On the other hand, it is disappointing to note the steps that have been taken in reaction by a number of clergy, bishops and even Archbishops in our Communion, equally in disregard of carefully thought out Lambeth Conference resolutions."

Carey said the actions of certain dioceses and provinces undermined ecumenicity. "I have had countless conversations with leaders of other
Churches who have spoken gently but sternly on our internal disorderliness on issues such as this. It is viewed as a major stumbling block to the unity we claim we seek with the universal Church."

Carey submitted a resolution calling upon all dioceses to consult widely in their provinces, and beyond, before final decisions are made or action is taken.

The Anglican leader said his resolution was relevant to the deposition of Fr. David Moyer by Bishop Charles Bennison in the diocese of Pennsylvania, and had consequences not only for that diocese but also for the entire Communion.

"The issues we face in our time are as demanding and painful as any our forbears have had to wrestle with; and there are lessons we can learn from them, as to how we too may find ways to discern God's will for us by listening to one another, carefully considering the impact of our actions on one another, and above all praying for one another."

Carey said his resolution also asked the diocese of Sydney on the issue of Lay Presidency to submit the matter to its Province, and to have regard to the effect of any decision it makes on the wider Communion to which it belongs, just as it applies to a diocese contemplating the official introduction of services in relation to same-sex unions.

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