You are here
Nigerian Anglican Primate Says Nothing has changed after Canterbury Meeting
The state of broken communion with TEC and Canada and those churches that follow in their footsteps remains in place
By David W. Virtue DD
www.virtueonline.org
February 3, 2016
The Archbishop of Nigeria, the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh has written a letter to his people saying that "for whatever it was worth" nothing has changed and that "some of our provinces are [still] in impaired relationship with The Episcopal Church (TEC) and The Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) in particular and other churches that are following in their footsteps."
The evangelical Anglican archbishop of the largest province in the Anglican Communion said that it had been the collective resolution of the GAFCON Group for several years that it would not participate in any gathering in the Anglican Communion to which TEC and The Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) were invited, until they repented of their erroneous doctrinal and theological postures and practices.
He and his fellow GAFCON primates and the Global South primates decided to accept the invitation anyway, following the almost unanimous resolution.
"The Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) was not focused on because it claims they have not altered its Marriage Canon. However, we know that the Anglican Church of Canada. Scotland, Wales, Brazil and New Zealand are on the way to toeing the same line as The Episcopal Church. We are yet to be convinced that the restrictions imposed on TEC will be implemented. The bottom line, therefore, is that nothing has changed.
"As stated in the statement of the meeting for three years The Episcopal Church can no longer represent us on ecumenical and interfaith bodies nor should they be appointed or elected to an internal standing committee and that while participating in the internal bodies of the Anglican Communion they may not take part in decision making on any issues pertaining to morals or doctrine.
"The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welbv was asked to appoint a Task Group to maintain conversation among ourselves with the intention of restoration of relationship, the rebuilding of mutual trust following a legacy of hurt, recognizing the extent of our commonality and exploring our deep differences, ensuring they are held between us in the love and grace of Christ.
"In the meantime, the state of broken communion with TEC and Canada and those churches that follow in their footsteps remains in place. Our decision to sever relations was based on their practice of ordaining and consecrating clergy in active homosexual relationships. This is what led to GAFCON, Jerusalem 2008.
"Reported reactions of some church leaders and members of TEC to the statement of the Primates' meeting clearly suggest that they are not yet willing to repent of their unbiblical doctrines and practices.
"We shall remain fervent in prayer and steadfastness in upholding the Word of God in the teachings and life of the Church. God's grace is sufficient unto us."
Okoh_letter_Feb2016.pdf
END
