The Anglican Covenant: Examination & Discussion

The Anglican Covenant: Examination & Discussion I. The Context of the Covenant Document: ecclesia, church, nation II. Examination of the Ridley - Cambridge Draft: emphasis on Part 4 III. Conflict & Controversy: Pros & Cons: implications of accepting/rejecting the draft

Next Step: The Substance the ’ Anglican Covenant ’ - a final version of - The Ridley - Cambridge Draft

Definition of the Covenant An expression of ‘affirmations and commitments’ among the ‘Churches of the Anglican Communion’ for the purposes of: proclaiming in ‘our different contexts’ the grace of God revealed in scripture, offering Gods love in responding to the needs of the world maintain the unity of Spirit in a bond of peace

Form of the Covenant Section One: Inheritance of Faith Two subsections: creedal & pietistic faith statements Section Two: Anglican Vocation Statement of church mission Section Three: Unity & Common Life Description of polity & instruments of communion Statements of autonomy and ‘mutual affection’ Section Four: Our Life Together Implementation & Discipline

Formal Genesis of the Covenant 2003Primatial Special Meeting Response to 2003 GC of ECUSA consecrating Gene Robinson 2004Windsor Report commissioned by Lambeth Palace for highest ‘degree of unity’ (based on 1998 ‘Virginia Report’ - subsidiarity notion empowering “instruments” for decision-making) 2006 GC commits to “Inter-Anglican” consultation 2007Nassau Draft1 directs ECUSA to appoint a task force to consider triennial drafts 2008 St. Andrews Draft2 continued discussion following dioceses consideration 2009Ridley-Cambridge Draft3 ACC voices concerns over section 4

Historical Genesis of the Covenant The Presenting Issue: Inclusion ECUSA 1976 BCP reforms - Baptismal Ministry First irregular ordination of women (1976 regularized) first homosexual ordination to priesthood Bp. Righter ordains Homosexual man and brought to ecclesiastical court Bp. Righter acquitted as adiaphora Gene Robinson consecrated as Bishop (New Hampshire) Mary Glasspool consecrated as Assisting Bishop (Los Angeles)

Controversial Section Part 4 - Ridley-Cambridge (R-C) Item#1 ADOPTION Participation (in Covenant) = ‘loyalty grounded in mutuality” Communion = “recognition of and fidelity to the text” Adaptation = “ elements which must be maintained … in order to sustain the relationship of covenanted communion” Membership = “dependent on the satisfaction of … conditions set out by each of the instruments”

Controversial Section 4 R-C Item #2 MAINTENANCE MUTUAL ACCOUNTABILITY Recognition of ‘elements’ (discrete components) ‘to sustain’ ( discrete action) ‘relationship of communion’ (discrete interactions) CONDITIONS of RECOGNITION & MEMBERSHIP ‘set out by each of the Instruments’ (of Communion) “ Maintenance” requires specialization and submission to central control within the boundaries of the Covenant

Controversial Section 4 R-C Item #3 DISPUTE RESOLUTION AUTHORITY: Joint Standing Committee of the ACC and of the Primates Meeting ( and/or by delegation to “another committee or commission”) FUNCTION: “overseeing the functioning of the Covenant in the life of the Anglican Communion” Compel deferred action within any “covenanting church” Take advice from any body it (JSC) “feels appropriate on the nature and relational consequence of the matter…” COMPLIANCE: “limitation of participation in, or suspension from” an Instrument of Communion

Controversial Section 4 R-C Item #3 Continued DISPUTE RESOLUTION DECLARATION OF INCOMPATIBILITY When an action of any covenanting church be deemed: “that such action or decision is or would be ‘incompatible with the Covenant’” JSC recommends to the Communion”consequence for participation”

Controversial Section 4 R-C (Item # 3 continued) DISPUTE RESOLUTION “Each Church undertakes to put into place mechanisms, agencies or institutions, consistent with its own Constitution and Canons, as can undertake to oversee the maintenance of the affirmations and commitments of the Covenant in the life of that Church, and to relate to the Instruments of Communion on matters pertinent to the Covenant.” (part of the Draft Anglican Covenant)

Controversial Section 4 R-C Item #4 WITHDRAWING from COVENANT This “triggers” the actions from the JSC described in item #3 here + Amending the Covenant Text: submission of a proposal to the JSC who may send the proposal to the Instruments; make a recommendation(s) in light of “advice offered;” and submit the proposal back to the covenanting churches (3/4 ratification needed for passage)

Timeline for Response for ECUSA June study guide goes out to deputations October deputations study 24 April deputations return responses to D020 Task Force June Task Force submits draft response to Executive Council October Task Force submits final draft December Task Force report in Blue Book

QUESTIONS from EC 1.How does AC strengthen corporate life of ECUSA? 2.How does AC strengthen common life of Communion? 3.Which sections are useful in defining life in communion? 4.ADEQUACY of Covenant re: ‘unity’, ‘Church’, ‘Authority’ 5. In what ways does the AC redefine ECUSA’s ‘understanding’ of the Anglican Communion?