THE 2024 report Nairobi-Cairo Proposals (NCPs), from the Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order (IASCUFO), would, if implemented, have seismic consequences for the Anglican Communion. Some emphases of the NCPs are welcome: the equality and autonomy of the Churches (“Provinces”) of the Anglican Communion, and the wider sharing of chairing positions. But the Commission’s key proposals are deeply troubling. …..
….. Consequences THE proposal that baptism should be sufficient for “communion” rests on a confused cross-over from Anglican relations with Churches with which Anglicans are not in ecclesial communion to Churches with which they are in ecclesial communion. The relationship between the Churches of the Anglican Communion would then be no different in kind from the relationship between the Church of England and the Methodist Church of Great Britain through the Anglican-Methodist Covenant (2003), or between the Church of England and the EKD (Protestant Churches of Germany) through the Meissen Agreement (1991).
Nor would it differ essentially from the relationship that pertains between the member Churches of the World Council of Churches, which are not required to recognise the ecclesial credentials of other member Churches. The Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) is premised on the goal of “full organic unity” and “the restoration of complete communion in faith and sacramental life”. ARCIC would be finished, as would the dialogue between the Anglican Communion and the Orthodox Churches.
Will it work? I DOUBT whether the changes would result in a willingness by the representatives of Churches in the global South to participate again in the Instruments of Communion with those who hold views, and have performed sacramental actions, that they deplore. The Communion would remain divided and in turmoil.
The reduced part played by the see of Canterbury, the enhanced position of the Primates, and the reductionist nature of “communion” will not overcome the divisions over sexuality and gender. The recent “Abuja Affirmation” of Gafcon (News, 13 March) insists that Gafcon Churches will not participate in the Instruments of Communion. IASCUFO has moved the goalposts to help “its” side to score, but, if the players are not on the field, that tactic will not work.
The Revd Dr Paul Avis is an Honorary Professor in the School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh, and Editor-in-Chief of Ecclesiology.
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