Source: Anglican Mainstream
Feb 22, 2007
In response to the 2007 Primates’ Communiqué, the Anglican Mission in the Americas has issued the following statement:
The Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA) commends the Primates of the Anglican Communion for their strong resolve to demand clarity from The Episcopal Church (TEC) concerning adherence to the standards of the Communion regarding sexuality. The Communiqué issued a firm demand for reformation and repentance within TEC to be marked by specific commitments and actions, and we fully support this demand.
We believe it should always be remembered that while much of the focus of this recent Primates’ meeting has revolved around The Episcopal Church’s violations of the 1998 Lambeth Resolution I.10 concerning human sexuality, those violations have, in fact, been only a painful symptom of the much greater crisis of faith and leadership that presently exists within TEC and the many questions that TEC has raised in recent years regarding the authority of the Scriptures as our “standard and ultimate rule of faith.” Lambeth Conference of 1888 – Resolution 11.
Given the continued crisis in Anglicanism, especially in the U.S., we are thankful that the Primates unequivocally rejected The Episcopal Church’s request to end all interventions in North America until there is deep and genuine change in The Episcopal Church. - See Communiqué, paragraphs 32 and 34. This decision provides much needed protection for those who can no longer accept the spiritual authority of TEC.
We are grateful that the Primates see the Anglican Mission as a part of the larger family while recognizing our mission and ministry as a missionary movement of the Province of Rwanda. The Anglican Mission will continue to focus on its mission to carry the Gospel to the 130 million un-churched in North America and to plant new churches.
We remain thankful that the AMiA enjoys a secure home in the Province of the Episcopal Church of Rwanda and the assurances of our Archbishop that this will not change without our request and/or consent. Given our canonical standing within the Province of Rwanda, the Anglican Mission is in no way expected to be placed under the oversight or authority of either the proposed Pastoral Council or a Primatial Vicar, but we will support and pray for our brothers and sisters in the Communion who may be entering into this interim arrangement.
Cynthia P. Brust
Director of Communications
Anglican Mission in the Americas PO Box 3427 Pawleys Island, SC 29585 843-237-0318 Office 843-325-1071 Cell 843-237-4008 Fax cbrust@anglicanmissioninamerica.org http://www.anglicanmissioninamerica.org