One year after Lambeth - where are we now?

A personal view from IC's chair, one year after Lambeth

A personal view from IC's chair. 

It's almost a year since the Lambeth Conference -  since the hustle and bustle of campus life, wading through seas of purple and trying to work out what (if anything) was happening.  So what did happen?  And where are we now?  

There were no resolutions  - but there were commitments to further action,  especially in the areas of the environment,  justice and peace.    There was,  as we know,  little movement on questions of human sexuality - apart from the reaffirmation of the existing moratoria on the blessing of lesbian and gay relationships, the appointment of gay or lesbian bishops and cross-border incursions.   But what seems to have been achieved was the creation of an environment which might enable the Communion's bishops better to tackle painful and divisive issues,  in trust,  in the future. 

Big questions remain,  because of the continuing moratoria.  Since then there have been two Communion-wide meetings -  the Primates' meeting in Alexandria in February and the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) in Jamaica in May.   It seems that both were more friendly than previous meetings.  The draft Covenant was the main business.  The Covenant will,  it is hoped, be a document that can be signed by all Anglican provinces as a visible symbol of unity. 

The first draft contained,  as well as much that is positive,  some potentially harshly punitive measures for Provinces which stepped out of line;  subsequent drafts are far less punitive and look towards greater mutual understanding.    The Ridley Cambridge draft (the most recent) was considered in Jamaica;  it is now being revised as a result of continuing anxiety about the approach taken to disagreements. 

Meanwhile many of us,  especially lesbian, gay and trans Christians,  are still living in an in-between situation which is causing tension and pain in a rapidly changing secular environment.  And there is little prospect of immediate change. 

The more conservative/traditionalist/call it what you will sections of the Communion have gone on being busy,  but in ways which are intriguing.  GAFCON -  the grouping of (mainly) bishops from around the world - met again in London in April.  The GAFCON axis has been very quiet recently, and it does appear that formerly close links between USA dissidents and some African provinces are becoming weaker.  The meeting did however support the proposal for a new province - the Anglican Church of North America.   This is a grouping of those bishops and churches which have left the Episcopal Church of the USA under the leadership of Bishop Bob Duncan.   It also launched the "Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans” which seems to be a kind of re-formation of GAFCON seeking a broader base. 

The desire for a separate province for North America is a result of the very strong way in which the Episcopal Church has responded to its dissidents.   With regret,  it has recognised that those who do not accept its authority can no longer be considered part of the church, and some bishops and clergy have therefore been deposed.  Legal cases over property continue;  in most cases the Episcopal Church retains its property.

In other words, the vocal conservative/traditionalist wing is finding its place outside the formal structures of the Anglican Communion.  While that's sad,  it does mean that the Communion as a whole may now be able to get back to fundamental questions of Gospel life- the immediate challenges which face us of justice,  peace,  how environmental change is affecting millions of people around the world and how we live out the calling of the Gospel in the 21st century. 

One real challenge being offered to those of us who support a more inclusive church is how we can justify that biblically.  Are we not riding roughshod over scripture?     That's why we've set up Word on the Street,  our conference from 5th - 7th October.  It's vital, to show how seriously we take scripture,  how it supports and informs our understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,  and to offer those who are less convinced a place of study and reflection alongside people with different views.  We hope to see you there.   

But the moratoria remain and the question of full inclusion remains - especially in the Church of England.  And,  to be frank,  the situation's a mess.  In terms of the inclusion of women - notably the consecration of women as bishops - we are moving forward.  The February Synod voted to appoint a Revision Committee to draw up legislation for the consecration of women.   It's working on that at the moment.  We hope that it will come back with something which enables women to be consecrated without any legal discrimination but also provides a continuing place for those opposed.  Then there's a long process of further approval which involves Synod,  Dioceses and Parliament … but we're hopeful about the future. 

The question of LGBT issues is much less clear.   The House of Bishops appears unready to unwind the ridiculous situation in which we now find ourselves,  for example where clergy in civil partnerships are clearly being discriminated against in appointments and where there is no formal liturgy to be used following civil partnerships.  Good and able clergy are not being appointed to jobs where they could offer powerful ministry;  and services of blessing and thanksgiving are happening around the country but without proper authorisation.   

The church continues to be seen as a place of homophobia,  a place of unwelcome, and its mission and ministry is undermined by public perception. 

A real challenge for us is anecdotal evidence that few LGBT people are coming forward or being approved for training for ordination -  so that a more monochrome church might arrive by default.   And the tension for those who are coming forward,  and for their directors of ordinands and supporters, is huge. 

But behind that there is very great potential for movement.  I have no doubt that, privately,  most bishops wish to move on, but collegiality stops them from expressing that.  Within evangelical circles,  it is also clear that the question of human sexuality is no longer as clear-cut as it was,  and many - especially younger - evangelical clergy and laity would earnestly like to be able to move forward.  The loudest voices are those who oppose movement, but within congregations there is a far wider diversity of views. 

So what to do?   IC is working very closely with other lesbian,  gay, bisexual and trans groups in the C of E.   These are some of the things we're trying to do

• As bishops are unlikely to take a lead,  it will be important for us to work through synodical structures,  and so we are beginning to think about next year's elections. 

• Get an approved liturgy for use after civil partnerships,  similar to the "service of thanksgiving and dedication after a civil marriage”. 

• Look at ways in which dioceses such as Chelmsford are setting up policies which do not discriminate against clergy in civil partnerships. 

• Work to offer educational and pastoral material for churches and congregations around the country so that the Listening Process can continue.  We are also preparing a one-day conference for February next year which really addresses the widest questions of relationships and human sexuality,  not just LGBT questions! 

It feels to us that this is the time when we have to make progress.  Otherwise it'll be too late.      It's slow -  but we are trying to put together a strategy which brings about change by  working jointly instead of separately.   And enables those who will remain opposed to including lesbian and gay people (and there are bound to be some) to be part of the same church,  so that the  C of E can be truly inclusive in every way. 

How can you help? 

• You can let us know of any local situations or stories which you think should be known more widely - either positive or negative.  

• You can ensure that your church is listed in the Directory of Inclusive Churches at www.inclusivechurch2.net . 

• You can encourage others to sign up - the more supporters we have the stronger our voice. 

• You can come to Word on the Street to be part of that great event.  

• You can let us know about conversations you've had with those who are opposed - especially positive ones. 

• You can pray for the church as we seek to end these historic forms of discrimation, both here and around the world.   

If you have any other ideas,  please let us know!

THANK YOU for your support

Giles Goddard

Chair,  IC