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Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things which have been accomplished among us, just as they were delivered to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent The-oph’ilus, that you may know the truth concerning the things of which you have been informed. -- Luke 1:1-4

Relax, I know I’m not writing the New Testament here, but I will try to follow a few things closely. — Dick Sandlin

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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Will TEC Adopt the Covenant?

The Anglican Communion (AC) has finally released its much-awaited Covenant (on Dec 18th) that sets forth the beliefs of the communion.  The letter of transmission describes the history and significance of the Covenant quite well. At last approved by the Standing Committee of the AC, the Covenant was first proposed by the Windsor Report back in 2004 as a way to pin down increasingly divergent opinions about what the church believes, especially on the subject of homosexuality and the ordination and consecration of openly active homosexuals to the priesthood and the episcopacy.  In typical AC style the transmission letter explains that

The presentation of the Covenant to the Provinces of the AC represents an invitation to deepening of relationships among those Provinces. We have a long history of friendship, affinities and collaboration between Provinces, dioceses, parishes and people across the globe, and we celebrate these manifold expressions of our oneness in Christ.

The Covenant represents a further step in these relationships, building on and giving expression to the bonds of affection which shape our common life.

The actual text of the Covenant is available on the AC website and it can be downloaded as a PDF.

A major question that has emerged is “Will the Episcopal Church (TEC) adopt it?”  TEC is currently the province that is recognized to represent the AC in the United States of America (USA).  My favorite commentator on these matters, The Anglican Curmudgeon, has predicted that TEC will “walk apart” by refusing to adopt the Covenant.  I recommend that you read the arguments for his conclusion on his site.

Members of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) are ready and willing to adopt the Covenant but, since they are not yet recognized as a province of the AC, they can only “endorse” it at this time.