The Anglican Communion & Moral Authority

"The positive nature of the authority which binds the Anglican Communion together is .seen to be moral and spiritual, resting on the truth of the Gospel, and on charity which is patient and willing to defer to the common mind" [Lambeth Conference, 1948, Report, p. 84]

The general style and tone of authorizing or exercising authority in the Anglican Communion is not in terms of "to forbid, to command or to require" but rather "to suggest, to commend and to urge". This approach can be seen throughout the Reports of the Lambeth Conferences from 1867 to the present day. It is an appropriate form of authority for what is, after all, a fellowship of Churches which are indeed "independent, but independent with the Christian freedom which recognizes the restraints of truth and of love" and thus the Churches are neither free to deny the truth nor free to ignore the fellowship.

Of course, we have learned in recent times that fellowship or communion can be a different levels - the basic fellowship due to a common baptism and common roots and relations (which is the sole tie that binds many now) and the deeper or higher communion that is also Eucharistic and which recognizes the Ministry of each and all (to which all aspire).

The moral authority that belongs to the Lambeth Conference is identical in nature to that which belongs to the Primates' Meeting. The latter is set up to exercise authority through moral persuasion, example and reason and so its words, even to an erring brother, can only be "we suggest, urge, beg & commend". However, such language can be persuasive where there is a readiness of the erring one to hear and where the Spirit of truth is present and active.

In contrast to the moral authority of the Lambeth Conference and the Primates' Meeting, the See of Canterbury has an authority that actually has in certain respects a judicial power. The occupant of this ancient See has the duty and the power to invite the bishops of provinces to attend the Lambeth Conference and he also has the power to withhold invitations to such bishops as he deems ought not to be present for their attendance would be to dishonor the Gospel or would not be for the common good.

Of all the "instruments of unity" of the Anglican Communion, the See of Canterbury is the first, and being first, it is both like and unlike the others in its possession and exercise of authority. For most of the time and for most occasions, the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury is that of moral suasion, but in a very limited sphere it is judicial. A combination of both forms of authority is required to begin to address the current crisis in the Anglican Family of Churches.

The Rev'd Dr. Peter Toon M.A., D.Phil. (Oxon.)