Reflections of a Canonist on the Singapore Consecrations of the Anglican Communion – Part I – The Big Picture

by Kenneth E. North

            I agree with Archbishop Louis Falk of the Traditional Anglican Church that it would be helpful if those discussing the nature and status of the consecrations of Bishop Murphy and Bishop Rodgers would attempt to agree on the terms and core definitions of our comments. I have been remise in not responding to this point earlier, but have recently returned from giving a presentation at a Canon Law Conference and am just now catching up on various tasks.

             Allow me to first comment that I think this preoccupation with the form of the consecrations totally misses the historic and theological megatrend that these consecrations represent.

     As to the historic importance of these consecrations, this is the first time that a worldwide Christian denomination has sought to discipline itself by use of the dispute resolution methodology set forth in the New Testament [Matthew 18:15-18]. Such was not the case with the Reformation, nor with a score or more of Protestant  splinterings over the centuries and throughout the world. As I have commented on occasion since the first meeting in Singapore of worldwide Anglican Communion leaders and some from The Episcopal Church, I know precisely the plan of the Primates. I do not mean to be presumptuous, nor to claim either prophetic vision or inside information. However, their plan is in the public domain for all who have an eye to see, or he who has an ear to hear.

The Plan:

1. The Lambeth Conference reaffirmed some basic doctrines: the supremacy of Scripture and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman.  [“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If listens to you, you have won your brother over.”] There were private communications from Anglican Primates and others to Presiding Bishop Griswold. The Presiding Bishop did not listen, but rather invited the Anglican Primates and others to “come and see.”

2. Several from within the Anglican Communion visited the Episcopal Church. [“But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses,”] Those who visited The Episcopal Church issued the “come and see” report, confirming that The Episcopal Church has not listened to the Lambeth Conference.

3. Certain Primates are bringing to the attention of the leadership of the Anglican Communion in Lisbon, Portugal in March 2000, the sins of The Episcopal Church. [“If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church,”]

[This is where the Primates who agree that The Episcopal Church is sinning differ. Some say that the consecrations to provide episcopal oversight to believers in the United States should have waited until after the Portugal meeting. Others, perhaps those a bit more sympathetic to the plight of the faithful in the United States, decided that the persecution could not be ignored for another moment, and that Godly oversight for these faithful must be provided now. But make no mistake, while the orthodox Primates may differ as to the timing of the consecrations, there is no difference as to the apostate nature of much of The Episcopal Church. Do not for a moment forget the “come and see” report.]

             4. And what if The Episcopal Church does not repent at the Lisbon meeting? “…and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

             5. But what of the timid Primates and the Archbishop of Canterbury [whose heart is with the Lord but who is perhaps a bit blinded by community at any cost] who will not cast out The Episcopal Church?  “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. … What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? …. Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.”

     The end is written and clear. It is only the arrogance of the institution of The Episcopal Church, and the abiding idolatry of Unity above Faithfulness which makes some look through the glass darkly. These so-called orthodox Primates are men of the Lord. They humble themselves before Him each day. They abide in His word and follow His commands. They seek guidance from the Lord, and do the work that He ordains, rather than the politically correct humanistic cause de jur. Do not for a moment doubt their conviction or strength of commitment. These are men who witness martyrdom in our day.

 Doctrinally, many have written and spoken about the convergence of various Christian denominations into the single Bride of Christ. Perhaps that is the true role of The Episcopal Church. For is not its current post-modernity a catalyst for not only the impending restructuring of the Anglican Communion, but also the realignment of those Christian denominations who choose to be yoked with it. As denominations link with The Episcopal Church, there appears to emerge a remnant of Faithful who refuse to be yoked to it. Is this a cleansing and reunification of the Faithful into one, holy, catholic and apostolic church? Is this another megatrend?

 As to Archbishop Falk’s more poignant question –What of the continuing churches which determined years ago that they “would come out from them and be separate?” – I pray that the convergence megatrend permits in the near term a reconciliation of the Faithful into a common body, with a structure acceptable to all. Those who came out years ago should be honored for their Faithfulness, as should those who are just now taking that step, for it is by unification that we all may witness to the greatness of our God.