First, I wish to clarify that my response is not meant to be a personal attack on Canon Kenneth Kearon. My reference to the “heart of darkness” refers to a pervasive mentality in some parts in our Communion, which takes a view that the “post-liberal” outlook is superior, and should be enforced to the rest of the world. The title “Heart of Darkness” comes from Joseph Conrad’s critique on a similar European “civilising project” in Congo a hundred years ago. As I suggested in my response, all (both East and West) are prone to such outlook. I do apologize to Canon Kearon for any misunderstanding I caused.
Second, Canon Kearon’s rendering of the Primate’s request to the TEC House of Bishop do adopt phrases and concepts used in previous Primates’ communiques and the Windsor Report.What caused great anxiety and confusion on my part—and perhaps to others as well— was that he did not simply reiterate the specific request of the Primates in the Dar es Salaam Statement, which of course was composed with great care. To rephrase the Primates’ request in connection to the TEC HOB’s statement (which was again composed with great care), however well-intentioned this may be, may lead to greater confusion at this important time in the Communion’s history. I raised similar concerns on the Subgroup Report earlier this year.
Third, I believe the present socio-economic and socio-political structures can become a liability in the listening and discerning processes. Present-day forms of communication can easily be turned into manipulative tools that promote falsehood rather than truth. This is why I take a more sober view on Anglican structures, and am concerned in how languages are used. Communication is costly; it involves a personal commitment to live plainly: to repent from what is false, receive truth, convey truth, and live out the truth under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.