Reflections on Conservatives in Anglicanism

Graham Kings from Fulcrum opines on the conservative movement in the Episcopal Church in The United States

There are in fact two conservative strategies for the way forward for Anglicans in North America. CEEC should bear both of these in mind as it prepares to make a statement on this issue, which is meant to represent evangelicals in the Church of England. The motion at NEAC 2008, which was 'not put' in the end, would have backed the former and did not specifically mention the latter. It may be helpful to have them both set out.

First, the ‘Federal Conservative’ strategy which is focused on the 'Common Cause Partnership' and involves splitting from The Episcopal Church (TEC) and working with GAFCON/FCA (4 dioceses, some previously separated groups and about 24 churches in Northern Virginia).

Second, the 'Communion Conservative' strategy which is focused on 'Communion Partners' – a development of the ‘Windsor Bishops group’ which now includes 40 Rectors of major churches - and involves working from within TEC and with the Windsor Process (15 dioceses)

At the beginning of Advent, these two strategies are represented in two conferences. On Wednesday 3 December 2008, at Wheaton College, an independent evangelical college in west Chicago, on Wednesday 3 December 2008, the proposed constitution for an independent new Anglican 'Province' in North America will be unveiled. Bob Duncan is in line to lead the new Province and will be speaking, together with Martyn Minns and others.

On Saturday 6 December 2008, four days later, at the Church of the Incarnation, Dallas, Texas, the ‘Covenant’ web site and the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas are holding a conference, open to everyone 'Discerning the Body: The Gift and Discipline of Communion'. The speakers are James Stanton, Bishop of Dallas, and Ephraim Radner, together with others.

http://www.fulcrum-anglican.org.uk/page.cfm?ID=363