Former Anglican Leader Confirms Episcopalian Hopes for Unity

Lord George Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, presided over a special confirmation service at Truro Episcopal Church in Fairfax, USA; a church that strongly opposes gay clergy. Those gathered at the service were among the parishes in the State of Virginia that have protested against Virginia Bishop Peter Lee's support to confirm the election of gay cleric Gene Robinson.

Bishop Lee invited the former Anglican leader to perform the confirmation services at Truro as a gesture of reconciliation toward congregations that have been split due to the decision.

"The bishop is attempting to provide a pastoral service to those churches which are not comfortable with his vote at the general convention to confirm Robinson's installation," said Nancy Jenkins, spokeswoman for the Virginia diocese.

"We are saddened by the lack of participation in a common ministry," she said. "But this is a time to be patient and have some understanding of the serious differences of opinion that some of our churches have with the changes that are going on."

Lee's efforts, however, to unite the church by inviting Lord Carey, a high-profile figure within the Church has been condemned as provocative and insensitive.

A majority of the worldwide Anglican Communion opposes the Episcopal Church in America's decision to ordain a gay bishop. Lord Carey agrees: "The majority of Episcopals in the United States don't regard this as a very big deal. But there is a very significant group of churches within the Episcopal Church who are deeply unhappy," Carey said. "The wider Anglican Communion is deeply unhappy with the decision that was made to elect Gene Robinson."

"I am here to show how we can share generosity to each other at a very difficult time in the Anglican Communion," said Archbishop Carey, who wore an elaborate gold-and-red cape and marched in to the hymn "The Church's One Foundation."

"There are those of us who believe the practice of homosexuality is wrong," the archbishop said. "It goes against Scripture and the whole weight of the Christian world."

"I hope my presence is a positive thing," said the archbishop, who praised Bishop Lee for allowing him into the diocese. "I'd never be here if the bishop of Virginia would be unhappy with my being here and say it'd only exacerbate the issue."

As the church faces the danger of a schism, maintaining unity and taking measures to hold things together is vitally important. The Anglican Church is currently awaiting a major report on the homosexuality crisis due to be released in October from the Lambeth Commission, which may guide the Episcopalians on how to proceed.



Jenny Lee
Ecumenical Press