07/02/2011

Whereas ...

The Diocese of East Carolina has voted against the Anglican Covenant.
The 128th Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina

Whereas, as they say a lot, the Covenant
  1.  sets out a statement of faith, mission and interdependent life for the Communion
  2.  raises the Instruments of Unity to 'governing bodies with unprecedented power'
  3.  states that questions may be raised about another provinces' actions but gives no process for doing so
  4. has the stated purpose to aid proclaiming the gospel, offering God's love, maintain the Spirit in the bond of peace and enable 'all God's people to attain the full stature of Christ' - and yet 'yet can be read as creating a Church of full members, second class members and former members.(ACC 4.2.7)', and
  5. despite the democratic structure of TEC they would be asked to 'submit our processes of discernment to the will of an ill-defined body without checks and balances'
They are happy to keep talking, but do not approve the covenant.

THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that this 128th Convention of the Diocese of East Carolina requests that the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church to express our desire that any future Covenant presented to this The Episcopal Church represent more truly, and with greater clarity and full recognition of voices of laity and clergy, our Anglican tradition and Christian faith.

Good for them.  It's a small voice against the noises of those who want a covenant and it's very welcome.

1 comment:

  1. This is good news- turkeys don't vote for Christmas.

    The Anglican Communion arguably began with the American Episcopal Church, sadly, if the Covenant is passed, it will also end with the expulsion of the Episcopalians - which of course is utter madness. The Archbishop of Canterbury will then preside over a rump of a Communion.

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