I must also respond to your misleading comments about our constitutional provision to establish Convocations and Chaplaincies outside of Nigeria. As you well know such a provision has long been the tradition in Europe. I wonder why it is acceptable for one part of the Communion and not for the other – perhaps the yoke of imperialism still survives?
Our intention is merely to extend pastoral care and Episcopal oversight to those of our people, and others who share the same commitment to our historic faith but who are geographically separated from us. I well remember the careful language of the Dromantine Communiqué – we are not initiating a “cross-boundary intervention” - you know that this effort was well underway when we met together and we all agreed that it, and similar expressions of pastoral concern, were to be preserved not abandoned. Our action is not an expression of ‘frustration, bewilderment or alienation’ but rather a demonstration of true ‘bonds of affection’ for which we make no apology.
Finally, I was astonished by your declaration that ECUSA and the Anglican Church of Canada have satisfied the requirements of the Windsor Report. I note that you acknowledge that this is merely your personal view but where is your evidence? In our Dromantine Communiqué we said that “there remains a very real question about whether the North American churches are willing to accept the same teaching on matters of sexual morality as is generally accepted elsewhere in the Communion,” and that because of this, “the underlying reality of our communion in God the Holy Trinity is obscured, and the effectiveness of our common mission severely hindered.” [12] I have seen no change in this and no willingness to fully embrace Lambeth 1.10 as our current agreement on matters of human sexuality – as you know this is the underlying assumption of the Windsor Report.
I was present in Nottingham for the recent ACC meeting and heard both Presiding Bishop Griswold and Archbishop Hutchinson, and their teams, try to justify their innovations. They failed. They made clear that there is no turning back and they did so with little or no reference to the plain teaching of the Holy Scriptures or the devastation that their actions have brought on us all.
While I am grateful that “regret” has been expressed and a temporary moratorium on Episcopal consecrations has been established, same-sex blessings continue to be authorized in some dioceses in both Provinces. And we all know that this is no more than a brief cessation of provocative actions and that no permanent change of mind is intended.
Robin, I do agree with you that the path ahead of us is difficult to predict but your statements have added to our problems. One thing is sure the Church of Nigeria remains committed to the abiding truth of God’s Word and the unchanging Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our earnest desire is to see the torn fabric of our beloved Anglican Communion restored and we continue to work to that end. I pray that you still share a similar commitment. Be assured that our only goal is to witness to the unique message of salvation in Christ that can transform the lives of all those in need.
Sincerely,
Peter Abuja
