Deputies’ President: Windsor Group’s Report ‘A Step Backward’

February 12, 2009

In a statement published on her website, Bonnie Anderson, president of the House of Deputies of General Convention, commended the recent communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting of Anglican primates Feb. 1-5 in Alexandria, Egypt. She was critical of a companion report issued at the same time by the Windsor Continuation Group.

“In their communiqué, the primates, who once issued deadlines, made veiled threats, and attempted unwelcome incursions into the affairs of the Anglican Consultative Council and member churches, have adopted both a new tone and a broader set of theological concerns,” Mrs. Anderson wrote. “In both the communiqué and in their meeting processes, the primates seem to be yearning for a deeper sense of communion in God’s mission through prayer, conversation, shared vulnerability and mutual understanding.”

Mrs. Anderson described the primates’ renewed focus on mission as an encouraging development. She said efforts to coordinate and enhance Anglican relief and development work are particularly promising. She also commended the primates for their willingness to “be in partnership to heal the world, even though there are theological differences in the broken body of Christ.” the rest