The primates' gathering is meant to be a time of reflection, Bible study and fellowship among the world's most powerful Anglican leaders, said the Rev. Ian Douglas, a professor of global Christianity at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass.
But this year, the agenda will include discussion of two controversial items -- the Episcopal Church's response to the outrage that followed its ordination of a gay bishop in 2003, and a possible "covenant" that would bind members of the Anglican Communion.
An international committee of Anglicans will report on the Episcopal Church's response to requests that it express regret for the gay bishop and declare a moratorium on gay clergy and same-sex unions.
Last summer, the Episcopal Church's General Convention agreed to urge "restraint" before naming any more gay bishops and apologized for "straining the bonds of affection" among Anglicans.
Some conservatives argue the Episcopal Church didn't go far enough, and have called for the primates to toss the church out of the Anglican Communion. They don't have that power, Douglas said.
"The primates do not have that authority, and those who would expect this report to be the final chapter are sadly mistaken, no matter what it says," Douglas said.
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“the Rev. Ian Douglas, a professor of global Christianity at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass.”
What an ironic title for someone who seems clueless that most of “global Christianity” will have no part of the non-Christian doctrinal sludge (fudge) that he likely promotes enthusiastically!