TLC News Analysis: Behind the Scenes in Dar es Salaam

Astounding report.  Thank you Fr. George Conger.

Very interesting rap-up, definitely it was political chess game. This article explains why Canada was dropped when immediate communication after GC03 included them as well in its reference to CoE issues were dropped as the primates adopted an American focus for the document.

Great report. 
To me the most significance is the reference to 12-16 primates with the GS.  Can someone remind me the total number of Primates, and the number of any Primates that would have been expected to be with the GS but didnt attend?  The significance of the number is that no matter what side turns this debate takes, at the end of the day the votes aren’t there for expulsion vote by the Primates.

Very, very interesting.  A few things to note:

1. The reappraisers apparently were successful in setting out their forces at the beginning of the meeting, apparently with some assistance by the ABC.

2. As the discussion continued, the Global South stood firm and increased its influence, while TEC’s influence diminished.

3. Several GS primates played key roles, including Gomez and Akinola.

4. TEC’s arrogance did not go over well at all.

5. KJS did, in fact, sign on to get the best deal she could, but is not confident she can bring her HOB onside with her.

Many reasserters are concerned for what will happen in the future if and when TEC rejects the Communique proposals.  Look then at what the Tanzania lessons learned are: the ABC learned that he was not successful in pushing a soft approach; any perception of arrogance on TEC’s part will cause a hardening of stance against it; the GS coalition makes up 30-40% of the primates and represent much more than half the total number of Anglicans.  You can be sure that the ABC knows very well that he either needs to (a) have the GS support, or (b) see the irrevocable destruction of the AC.  The division seems to be approximately 15% pro-TEC; 30-40% GS; and 45%-55% moderate conservative.

I think that if TEC were to reject this Communique, they would be on very thin ice indeed.

Timothy,
Henry Orombi said (21/2) that 22 provinces broke communion with TEC at the emergency primates meeting in October 2003. This may measure where primates are at overall.

Alan, I don’t see 22 votes. 

There have been some changes since 2003, and a few leftward shifts.

The other point that just hit me (I am slow on the uptake) is that TEC’s explusion or substantial discipline will not only rub the staff of the ACC the wrong way from a theological standpoint, but it will likely cut off the funding for most of their jobs.  No wonder they are so active for TEC.

Another point that this article helps to explain is the apparent incoherence of both setting up the Pastoral Council while at the same time “requesting clarification” from ECUSA’s HoB.  When you learn that the Pastoral Council is in effect a compromise version of the “separate ecclesial entity” called for at Kigali, and the “request for clarification” is a compromise substitute for flatly booting ECUSA out of the Communion, the situation and the relationship between these entities become a little clearer.

Hmm, I had not heard that about the change to the name “TEC” upsetting others in the Communion.  Funny, nothing has been said about that before.  Of course, I wonder why we don’t change the name to the “Laity, Diaconal, Priestly, Episcopal Church” as a way to emphasize the celebrated difference in our polity from that of the rest of the Anglican Communion, or to the “Church of the Baptismal Covenant” or to the
“Peace and Justice Church” to emphasize our real values since obviously have such a diminished view of episocpal authority!

Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori was also uncertain as to whether she had the authority to bind the American church or had the political capital to bring the House of Bishops along with her…

Negotiations resumed after dinner and Archbishop Akinola was finally brought on board after he was given assurances protecting CANA.

1.  So she’s not out of the hotel yet and she’s already expecting rejection of the DES Communique?

2.  Does the continuation of lawsuits against CANA churches in Virginia (as well as other churches elsewhere in the country) mean that TEC is already in violation of the DES Communique and thus has no intention of complying with any of the rest of the requests?

3.  I also found it interesting that the reaction of the Primates was hardened by the American Empire view of TEC’s new name.  Given my experiences overseas I can’t say I am surprised that this occurred when coupled with other American actions on the world scene that are unrelated to religion.

Whatever benevolent street-cred America had 20-30 years ago on the world scene has been squandered in the past 10-15 years.  This is something that cannot be bought with money.

If +KJS is truly interested in making the MDG’s a cornerstone of her ministry as PB, she would do well to bear the lack of benevolent street-cred in mind and urgently persuade the HOB to adopt some long-term humility and even encourage some retirements of more radical bishops.

George Conger mentions there were some tears and raised voices during one of the last sessions.  On her blog Ruth Gledhill mentioned elsewhere that KJS cried at one point .  Am I to assume they are referring to same incident?  If so, the tears did not seem to have much effect on the final outcome.

George Conger is probably the best news reporter out there covering the Episcopal beat. Well connected, excellent workmanship.

Question about TEC name change: it’s late and I’m too lazy to do the research. Was this by action of the General Convention or did a group of mindless bureaucrats at 815 decide it? One would think that an official change of name of the denomination would require GC approval. Right, Bonnie?

r.w.

Neal:  With all this new talk of TEC’s polity meaning that bishops can no longer make decisions which the canons clearly give them, I agree that we must come up with a new name for The Episcopal Church.  Perhaps The Episcopal Presbyterian Church?  Or what about the Sort of Episcopal Political Hack Inclusive Community of the Enlightened?

r. w., the name change to TEC was done at GC06 and was widely speculated on then as a precursor to ECUSA seeking to lead a new reappraiser communion, possibly including the liberal Anglican churches in Canada, England, Scotland, and possibly South Africa and Brazil and a few others.  The Episcopal Communion, anyone?  NOT!!! (for long)