In response to the 2007 Primates Communiqué, the Anglican Mission in the
Americas has issued the following statement:
The Anglican
Mission in the Americas (AMiA) commends the Primates of the Anglican Communion
for their strong resolve to demand clarity from The Episcopal Church (TEC)
concerning adherence to the standards of the Communion regarding sexuality. The
Communiqué issued a firm demand for reformation and repentance within TEC to be
marked by specific commitments and actions, and we fully support this demand.
We believe it should always be remembered that while much of the focus
of this recent Primates’ meeting has revolved around The Episcopal Church’s
violations of the 1998 Lambeth Resolution 110 concerning human sexuality, those
violations have, in fact, been only a painful symptom of the much greater crisis
of faith and leadership that presently exists within TEC and the many questions
that TEC has raised in recent years regarding the authority of the Scriptures as
our “standard and ultimate rule of faith.” [Lambeth Conference of 1888 –
Resolution 11]
Given the continued crisis in Anglicanism, especially in
the U.S., we are thankful that the Primates unequivocally rejected The Episcopal
Church’s request to end all interventions in North America until there is deep
and genuine change in The Episcopal Church. [See Communiqué, paragraphs 32 and
34.] This decision provides much needed protection for those who can no longer
accept the spiritual authority of TEC.
We are grateful that the Primates
see the Anglican Mission as a part of the larger family while recognizing our
mission and ministry as a missionary movement of the Province of Rwanda. The
Anglican Mission will continue to focus on its mission to carry the Gospel to
the 130 million un-churched in North America and to plant new churches.
We remain thankful that the AMiA enjoys a secure home in the Province of
the Episcopal Church of Rwanda and the assurances of our Archbishop that this
will not change without our request and/or consent. Given our canonical standing
within the Province of Rwanda, the Anglican Mission is in no way expected to be
placed under the oversight or authority of either the proposed Pastoral Council
or a Primatial Vicar, but we will support and pray for our brothers and sisters
in the Communion who may be entering into this interim arrangement.
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