Cordial Day of Listening Marks Opening Sessions in Tanzania
02/15/2007

An opening-day impasse was averted after pre-meeting negotiations led to a relaxation of demands from the Global South primates’ coalition that the question of Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s attendance at the meeting be the first order of business during their meeting in Tanzania.

In what was described by Australian Archbishop Phillip Aspinall as a “day of intense listening” characterized by “graciousness, patience and care,” the primates gathered at a hotel near Dar es Salaam heard an address by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, received a report from an advisory group appointed by the joint standing committee of the primates and Anglican Consultative Council on The Episcopal Church’s response to the Windsor Report, and heard presentations from three American bishops and Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori.

In his opening remarks, described as “moving” by one listener, Archbishop Williams welcomed the primates and spoke to the importance of their work and collegiality. He also spoke to his great affection for The Episcopal Church. the rest