19th - 23rd April 2010, Singapore

Theme: “The Gospel of Jesus Christ—Covenant for the People; Light for the Nations.”

The Global South Anglican Primates Steering Committee met in Singapore on 1^st to 2nd Dec 2009 to discuss and confirm planning details on the coming Encounter.

This 4^th Encounter will build on the ecclesiological vision of the ‘One Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ’ we shared at the 3^rd “Red Sea” Encounter at El-ein-Suknah, Egypt in 2005. The coming 4th Encounter aims to further develop this in our common life and witness in and for the Gospel. We will explore how we may relate to one another in covenantal and communion autonomy with accountability in matters of faith and order; partnerships and networks in existing and new mission fields; and mutual capacity building for increased self-reliance for greater service.

We aim to affirm the Anglican Covenant as the basis in intensifying the ecclesial life between churches in the Communion, and explore ways churches should stand firm side by side in one spirit and with one mind for the faith of the Gospel of Lord Jesus Christ. The Steering Committeee emphasised that provincial and invited participants should be unequivocally committed to uphold the spirit and intent of the 1998 Lambeth Resolution 1.10 and the proposed Anglican Covenant (full Ridley Draft).

Participation will be on provincial basis. Provinces and Primates have earlier been informed of the 4^th Encounter will now be sent more detailed information on the nature of their provincial participation. Associate participants from non-Global South Anglican provinces/dioceses will be on an invitational basis.  In addition, key ecumenical partners will also be invited as observers. As in previous conferences, the 4^th Encounter seeks to be a self-financed gathering.

More information will be release later. Please direct inquiries to email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Church of Uganda associates itself with the concerns expressed in the Anti Homosexuality Bill 2009. However, instead of a completely new Bill, the Church recommends a Bill that amends the Penal Code Act (Cap.120) addressing loopholes, in particular:

• protecting the vulnerabilities of the boy child;1

• proportionality in sentencing;

• and, ensuring that sexual orientation is excluded as a protected human right.

Further, we recommend involvement of all stakeholders in the preparation of such a Bill in order to uphold Uganda’s values as they relate to human sexuality.

The full pdf document can be downloaded here

We are, however, grieved that the current crisis within our beloved Anglican Communion has made necessary such an unprecedented offer. It represents a grave indictment of the Instruments of Communion whose very purpose is to strengthen and protect our unity in obedience to our Lord’s clear command. Their failure to fully address the abandonment of biblical faith and practice by The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada has now brought shame to the name of Christ and seriously impedes the cause of the Gospel....

The current context of Vatican departments is illuminating. It is right to question both the wisdom of bypassing the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, and its President, Cardinal Walter Kasper, who was not even present at the press conference in Rome, and the depth of knowledge of Anglican tradition in the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, led by Cardinal William Levada...

More here at Fulcrum

Our deepest conviction as the Church of Uganda is that, in Christ, people and their sexual desires are redeemed, and restored to God’s original intent...

With the retirement of Archbishop Bernard Malango and Archbishop Drexel Gomez, the Global South Primates Steering Committee (GSPSC) thank them for their services. Two new members were added at the GS Primates Meeting in Alexandria: Bishop Albert Chama from Central Africa and Archboshop Stephen Thanh from Myanmar.

Global South Primates Steering Committee (GSPSC)

Chairman: Most Rev’d Peter J. Akinola, Nigeria

Vice-Chairman: Most Rev’d Emmanuel Kolini, Rwanda

General Secretary: Most Rev’d John Chew, Southeast Asia

Treasurer: Most Rev’d Mouneer Anis, Jerusalem and the Middle East

Most Rev’d Gregory Venables, Southern Cone

Most Rev'd Stephen Thanh, Myanmar

Bishop Albert Chama, Central Africa

THE special provision for those “originally belonging to the Anglican Communion” (as they will be termed) was announced with not much notice to either the Archbishop of Canter­bury or the Archbishop of West­minster. This doesn’t mean it is intended to poach priests and people from the Church of England or the other Anglican Churches. While there are ques­tions about its ecumenical com­munication, it was a known fact that both former Anglicans — such as mem­bers of the Traditional Anglican Communion — and those still be­long­ing to Churches of the Anglican Com­munion have asked the Vatican to consider some group recognition, as some way of retaining an Anglican identity in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican has responded to their requests...

But let's be careful. A time of reflection and caution is now needed without precipitate responses, either of offense taken, or euphoric overreaction. After all, the differences between Anglicans and Roman Catholics have not disappeared overnight. For many Anglicans, doctrines such as Papal infallibility and the Marian dogmas remain considerable barriers to unity with the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, it is not yet clear which aspects of Anglican tradition, practice and theology are to be embraced by the Apostolic Constitution....

The Vatican on Tuesday announced that it would make it easier for Anglicans who are uncomfortable with their church’s acceptance of women priests and openly gay bishops to join the Roman Catholic Church.

Responses:

Letter from the Archbishop of Canterbury to “the Bishops of the Church of England, and the members of the Primates Meeting of the Anglican Communion.”

Joint statement issued today the Archbishop of Westminster and the Archbishop of Canterbury

Abp Bob Duncan: ACNA welcomes annoucement

CANA: Vatican Move Recognizes Reality of Anglican Divide

News Reports:

Telegraph: Pope throws a lifeline to the Church of England for women bishops

Reuters: Pope approves document on Anglicans joining church

Associated Press: Vatican creates new structure for Anglicans

Ruth Gledhill (Times blog) : Pope unity move ‘not act of proselytism or aggression’ says Rowan Williams

Ruth Gledhill & Richard Owen (Times News): Vatican moves to poach traditional Anglicans.