A Note From Father Tirman
Explaining the Primates’ Meeting in Tanzania
Ash Wednesday 2007
Dear Friends,
As the report was released this week from the Primate’s meeting in Tanzania lots of questions arose as to what this statement really meant, after all it was a unanimous statement from all the Primates who attended.
On the surface, this document initially looked like a criticism of everyone…..of the Episcopal Church for not complying with the Windsor Report, and with the overseas Primates who have provided protective covering for Churches (such as ours) by crossing what were once pretty well drawn out boundaries. But when we look at the report a little deeper, we can see the reality, meaning, and direction. We can see the report’s intent.
To remain a full part of the Anglican Communion, the Episcopal Church must agree (by September 30, 2007 to two specific things: one, to agree to not consecrate any more non-celibate homosexuals to the Episcopate (to make them Bishops), and then two, to agree to unequivocally bar prayers for same sex couples. If the Episcopal Church does not agree to these two things by September 30, they will risk their status as a full members of the Anglican Communion.
Clearly there are things to be resolved, and we must pray that they are resolved prayerfully, respectfully, and faithfully. Let us continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in the Episcopal Church. We are saddened that they have come to this place, and hope and pray that they repent and submit to the authority of Holy Scripture and the world-wide Anglican Church.
Faithfully,
Tom Tirman+
Here are some links to helpful news articles:
Anglican Leader's Demand Gay Policy Change
The Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori Asks For Time
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070221/ap_on_re_us/anglicans_gays;_ylt=Ai9oAx53FMYhxVdI0iZoTAg7Xs8F
Anglican Communion Network Bishop Bob Duncan Comments on Primates' Meeting in Tanzania
http://titusonenine.classicalanglican.net/?p=17937
Associate Press Analysis: Episcopal Choices
