Four propositions

1. That, in relation to Anglican Communion issues, the majority of the leadership of ECUSA and various Canadian dioceses have placed themselves outwith the historic orthodox Christian faith

2. That it is right and proper that they should be offered alternative oversight and structures

3. That there may be circumstances in the future in the Church of England context where parishes find themselves in analogous situations

4. That evangelical Anglicans need to maintain the greatest possible unity among themselves and with other orthodox members of the CofE

Four bits of analysis

1. That three of the Instruments of Communion – Primates, Lambeth Conference, ACC – are no longer fit for purpose. Archbishop Rowan still a focus – and I believe he has done his best to hold things together.

2. That the proposed Anglican Communion Covenant is unlikely to deliver, as it neither holds credibility among conservatives nor liberals. It’s a busted flush. What else can be put on the table to replace it?

3. That GAFCON is asking the right questions – about what holds us together – but that the theological and ecclesial answers it provides are not adequate to secure acceptance on the part of all evangelical Anglicans – scripture, creeds, historic formularies..

4. That the work of holding the Anglican Communion together is all “too little, too late”.

Four suggestions for action

1. A better dialogue between GAFCON and the other elements of the Global South, involving the mission agencies and others

2. A strong statement to the isolated in ECUSA and elsewhere that we support them – and a call to +Rowan to recognise a separate ECUSA Province

3. A way of interconnecting evangelical Anglican strategies here in the UK – fissiparousness needs to be avoided

4. A theology of what it means to relate to your friends when they’re in positions of authority - evangelicals can’t cope with the challenge of not being in opposition

Four questions going forward

1. Can we make CEEC a place where there is proper consultation, networking and discussion on policy?

2. Can we avoid the danger of polarising into pro and anti GAFCON lobbies?

3. Can we find a better way of defining what really matters in terms of theological and mission priorities?

4. Can we hold off from associating CEEC with one particular strand in the continuing Anglican Communion debate – I personally don’t want us to do anything that ties us in to one approach to these matters… which is what voting in favour of the Jerusalem declaration would do.

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To read the other speeches, click the name:
Perkins / Sinclair / Nazir-Ali / Ovey / Sugden / The Debate.