The Global South and Gafcon primates are scheduled to meet in Cairo on 13 Oct 2015 in Cairo, the Archbishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East tells Anglican Ink. Writing in response to a story released on 12 Oct 2015 that stated the primates had begun their meeting at All Saints Cathedral on 11 Oct 2015, Archbishop Mouneer Anis stated this was not the case, as not all of the invited leaders of the conservative and center-right coalitions were present and they had not yet begun their formal deliberations. The gathering of primates is expected to discuss the invitation extended by Archbishop Justin Welby for a primates gathering in January in Canterbury. Dr. Annis stated he had written to some of those scheduled to attend warning of the pressures they would face from partisans representing the various factions within the Communion.
“I am sure that you agree with me that at this time the only option for us is to be united and stand together for the upcoming Primates meeting. Divisions will weaken our stance. As you know unity does not mean uniformity. Both GS and GAFCON have their own unique approach. But our single aim is to expand the Kingdom of God and spread the Good News in Jesus Christ. At this time, if there is some weak among us, we need to do our best to embrace and encourage them to stand firm. . “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thess 5:14)
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15: 1). We praise the Lord because none of us is ready to compromise the traditional faith which we received from Jesus Christ through the Apostles. No one on earth can obligate or force us to compromise this faith. For this reason, we need to relax and to be gracious because we own our decision, by God’s Grace. We cannot be forced to do anything against the Scripture and our conscious. Our God is in charge for sure. For this reason we should not be driven by fear and suspicion but by trust in the One who called us who will do it “He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)”
