on behalf of the Council of Bishops of
The Anglican Mission in The Americas

March 3, 2006

The calling of the Rev. Kathy King to become Rector of an Anglican Coalition in Canada (ACiC) parish has raised the question of whether the Anglican Mission in The Americas (AMiA) has changed its policy on the ordination of women to the priesthood. The answer to that is no. The AMiA continues to abide by the conclusion of its Report on the Ordination of Women, adopted in 2003. 

When the Province of Rwanda recently invited the ACiC to come under its protective oversight in North America, the ACiC was given the same opportunity that the AMiA had been given to express its preference on women's ordination. The ACiC holds a different position than that of the AMiA, and the Province of Rwanda has accepted their position. The ACiC decision does not alter the AMiA decision.

To those who will say that maintaining the ACiC as a separate network is a distinction without a difference, I ask you to consider that to be Anglican, through AMiA, ACiC or otherwise, is to be in communion with those who are not of one mind on the issue of women's ordination. Our sponsoring Province of Rwanda permits the ordination of women to the priesthood, while other Provinces whose encouragement we enjoy do not. As the AMiA, our distinction from the ACiC allows for a good faith expression of a differing theological understanding that essentially models the Communion at large. This is important. Of even greater importance to the Mission, in my mind, is the collective concurrence of the AMiA and the ACiC in those essentials of faith set forth in the Solemn Declaration. That is what unites us, and that is what motivates us.

I have been asked whether Bishop Johnston's acceptance of the Rev. King to ministry in Canada somehow violated the policies of AMiA. The answer is no. All AMiA bishops are members of the House of Bishops of Rwanda, and subject to the authority of Archbishop Kolini. When directed to serve AMiA congregations, they will comply with AMiA policies. When directed to serve Rwanda in some other capacity, they will abide by the instructions of the Archbishop. Note please that Bishop Johnston accepted the Rev. King "under the authority of The Most Reverend Emmanuel Kolini." He was acting on behalf of, and under the direction of, our Archbishop.

Finally, let me assure those members of AMiA who have expressed concerns that this may be a harbinger of things to come in the AMiA. It is not. No A nglican Mission congregation will be asked to receive a woman priest, nor will any AMiA congregation be asked to change or compromise its position regarding women's ordination.

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