On October 16 the Anglican Primates issued their Statement in response to the potential consecration of Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. On November 2 he was duly consecrated. What should Anglicans make of the Statement? And how should they act in light of the consecration?
First, the Anglican Primates' Statement:
Realistic. The Anglican Primates' Statement was realistic. It recognised that the consecration of Gene Robinson will mean that 'the ministry of this one bishop will not be recognised by most of the Anglican Communion worldwide'. It also foresees that his consecration 'will tear the fabric of our Communion at the deepest level and É may lead to further division É as dioceses have to decide in consequence whether they can remain in communion with provinces that choose not to break with the Episcopal Church of the United States of America' (ECUSA). This is a realistic assessment of the realignment that is already well under way in the Anglican Communion.
Characteristic. The Anglican Primates' Statement was characteristically Anglican in its setting up a commission! To that extent the Statement is only an interim measure, and it serves the purpose of buying precious time as the Primates seek to work out how to formalise the separation that has already occurred. They appeal for Provinces 'not to act precipitately' but to take time for 'reflection and to consider their own constitutional requirements'. Evangelicals will be rightly frustrated at further procrastination over theological issues which were agreed at Lambeth in 1998. However, there are real constitutional questions that need to be worked through by the Provinces, and the 12-month period will provide vital time for this work.
