Archbishop Williams Stresses Expansion of Theological Education at Anglican Council

As one of the agendas on the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) meeting in Nottingham, England yesterday, theological education was highlighted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams to the audience consisting of bishops, clergy and representatives from 50 countries within the Anglican Communion worldwide.

A panel focusing on Theological Education for the Anglican Communion (TEAC) presented a report, citing the importance of theological education and the need for its expansion on a global scale. The six members of the TEAC panel are: the Rev. Mwita Akiri from Tanzania; Clare Amos, secretary to TEAC; Pauline Makoni from Central Africa; Sue Parks, conference manager for Lambeth 2006; Robert Paterson, Church in Wales; and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

"The gospel overflows in theology," Archbishop Williams said in his presentation. "Theology is perhaps first and foremost a celebration - a celebration that helps us find a way, or a truth that leads us into a life."

Some critical issues are recognised by the TEAC report, including a general lack of theological literacy; "inadequate engagement with contemporary thinking, culture and society"; confusion about callings of those involved in the Church’s public ministry; inadequately or inappropriately trained priests; inappropriate practices of the ministry of a bishop in changing contexts; and a weak or selective commitment to Christians of other traditions.

The framework for the tasks of TEAC is therefore defined, so-called seven "Marks of Mission":
- To proclaim the good news of the Gospel
- To teach, baptise and nurture new believers
- To respond to human need by loving service
- To seek to transform unjust structures of society
- To safeguard the integrity of creation and to sustain and new the life of the earth
- To worship and celebrate the grace of God
- To live as one holy, catholic and apostolic church

These tasks are to be achieved in five target groups: laity; vocational deacons, catechists, lay ministers and those who need to be licensed; priests; bishops. Sue Parks, conference manager for Lambeth 2006 Parks explained, is "not just to do mission, but to be a people in mission. Our understanding of mission needs to make that clear."

A common theological topic raised by the Archbishop is the presidency of lay people during worships. He personally opposed such practice and explained, "The Anglican Church has always been consistent about this. The reason for that prohibition is this: When we meet for Holy Communion, it isn't the action of only that church, but church throughout the whole world in the communion. Ministry that is not just local, but is recognised by the wider church. That is what ordination is. Holy Communion is the act of the whole church."

Another sensitive question is the consecration of women bishops in the Church which has provoked debate across the world since the first ordination of women priest in the Church of England in 1994.

Yesterday afternoon’s theological session concluded with the proposal on ACC constitutional changes. It was suggested to expand the object of ACC, "to advance the Christian religion and in particular to promote the unity and purposes of the Churches of the Anglican Communion in mission, evangelism, ecumenical relations, communication, administration and finance." The current ACC object is "to advance the Christian religion".

And also some small wording changes are proposed, such as using the term "delegates" rather than "members", and changing references to the gender-neutral "chairperson" and "vice chairperson."