FiF International News
FiF reacts to Primates Meeting
Feb 22, 2007

Forward in Faith welcomes the decision of the Primates at their meeting in Dar es Salaam to require of the House of Bishops of TEC unequivocal assurances that they will not approve same sex unions or give consent for the consecration as bishop of anyone in a same sex relationship. We note that the Presiding Bishop, Katherine Jefferts Schori signed the Communiqué in which these requirements were stated. We pray that she may be more faithful to such undertakings than was her predecessor.

We are grateful that the Primates have generously set another deadline for TEC to demonstrate its compliance. But we trust that this deadline will be the last.

We regret that the decision to declare a moratorium on interventions in North America by Primates from elsewhere in the Communion may lead some to conclude that such ’crossing of boundaries’ is as serious a matter as the doctrinal and ethical deviations which have made it necessary.

Forward in Faith welcomes proposals for the creation of a Pastoral Council that will oversee the ministry of a Primatial Vicar, who will in effect act as the Presiding Bishop for those who are unable to accept the ministry of Katharine Jefferts Schori. We draw attention, however, to the problems which such a scheme presents for those who cannot accept that Mrs Schori is a bishop or that she exercises an Episcopal ministry which can be delegated in this way.