Posted Tuesday 25 September 2007
A week after Bishops meet in the US to respond formally to the Dar Es Salaam communique, two Anglican primates are to speak at Manchester Cathedral on the need for inclusive theology in the Anglican Communion.
The Archbishop of Mexico and the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church are taking part in a conference called Celebrating Anglican Diversity which celebrates the Anglican tradition of open and inclusive theology. By the time the conference takes place, it is possible that a few African Provinces, with their attendant US bishops, may have taken public action and split from the Communion.
This conference, which is an Inclusive Church Event, will consider how the Communion moves forward if a split has occurred. And what the agenda might be if it hasn't.
Archbishop Carlos Touche-porter, Primate of the Anglican Church in Mexico, has longstanding experience of inclusion and diversity issues within the Church, including the place of gay and lesbian Christians. He is part of an emerging network of Anglican Bishops based mainly in Latin America ("the Global Centre") aiming to celebrate the unity and diversity of the Communion and says "Inclusion is a reality in the Anglican Church, despite reports to the contrary. I am very much looking forward to being in the UK as part of our preparations for a positive Lambeth Conference."
The Most Rev Dr Idris Jones, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, says "It was very obvious at the recent meeting of Anglican Primates that the vast majority wish to stay with an Anglican church that is open and welcoming and prepared to live with difference. This is Anglican mainstream and we have to make it clear that it represents majority opinion among church leaders. Attempts to try to turn the Communion into something that is controlled from the centre, with expulsion the result of disagreement, will fail."
The Dean of Manchester Cathedral, the Very Rev Rogers Govender, says: "Manchester Cathedral sits at the centre of a diverse vibrant city. One important aspect of the Cathedral is to help people debate and encourage communities to share and grow. I hope this Inclusive Church day will be an important part of that process, celebrating and maintaining the traditional inclusivity and diversity within the Anglican Communion. This conference continues the Diverse Opinions Programme begun earlier this year by Manchester Cathedral which included a visit by Bishop Drexel Gomez."
Details of the event
29 Sept in Manchester Cathedral 11.30am to 3.30pm. The Eucharist will be celebrated by Rev Alma Savant. The event costs £5 including lunch. To reserve a place email office@inclusivechurch.net or ring 0161 833 2220.
For more information please contact Rev Giles Goddard, Inclusive Church Chair, 07762 373674 giles@in-spire.org.uk, or Rev Briony Martin, 07960 846974, brionyjmartin@hotmail.co.uk, or contact Inclusive Church through the organisation's website.
About Inclusive Church
Inclusive Church is an organisation of individuals and churches that believe the Church of England should be a broad open church which is inclusive of all, regardless of race, gender or sexuality.
