Over the last few days, the conservative evangelical societies called Church Society and Reform have made it big time into the British daily press and on to BBC Radio.
Why?
At this late stage, they are calling upon Rowan Williams NOT to take up the onerous duties and high privileges of the See of Canterbury for they believe that he is not an orthodox, bible-based Christian.
Let us note where we are in the process of the installation of Dr Williams as the new Archbishop.
A commission met, received much advice in the press and by letters, consulted with all kinds of people including representatives of the diocese of Canterbury and members of the Anglican Communion outside Great Britain. This Board knew the strengths and weaknesses of a slate of candidates and in the end chose a couple of them and put them in order of choice. Dr Williams was number one.
In that the decision of this Commission was leaked there was much opportunity for further, public discussion and advice to Dr Williams before he actually got the Letter from the Prime Minister on behalf of the Queen. On receiving the Letter he consulted far and wide and against his own inclinations decided to accept. (I myself wrote to him and got a personal reply.)
Now he awaits two events - being accepted by the vote of the Dean and Canons of Canterbury Cathedral, and then being installed in the Cathedral (both of which are important but formalities).
The providence of God has worked in the Church of England and the new Archbishop is chosen by State and Church.
There has been a time for such public debate and now there is a time for prayer, interceding for him that he will enter this See in the fullness of the Gospel of Christ to teach the whole truth of God and to live in holiness and to be a gracious Shepherd of Christ's flock.
Getting headlines is easy if you have something to say that is seen as newsworthy!
Giving ourselves to fervent, effectual prayer for a man whom we may or may not like or whose doctrine we may not approve of takes guts and commitment.
Let us pray especially that Dr Williams will be led to adopt a wholesome doctrine of sexuality and sexual relations even as he also is committed to right doctrines of the Holy Trinity, the Person of Christ, the Work of Christ, the Authority of Sacred Scripture and the truths of the Nicene Creed.
Much more will be achieved by prayer than any other method. Let us pray for Rowan.
"Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in thy providence hast established the ancient See of Canterbury as the primary instrument of unity of the Anglican Communion of Churches, we pray for Rowan whom thou hast called, through imperfect processes, to be the Archbishop of Canterbury. By the abundance of thy mercy, grant that he, repenting of his sins and conforming to thy holy law and wisdom, will enter into this holy office in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of the same Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be ascribed glory and dominion now and for ever. Amen."
The Rev'd Dr. Peter Toon
Minister of Christ Church, Biddulph Moor,
England & Vice-President and Emissary-at-Large
of The Prayer Book Society of America
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