AMSA has been formed not out of a desire to create conflict or controversy, but as a necessary response to the state of confusion that exists in Anglicanism worldwide. The consecration of a man in a non-celibate same gender union as Bishop in ECUSA, and the development and synodical approval of rites for same-sex blessings in ECUSA and the Province of Canada have revealed clearly that, to quote an African Archbishop, there are now "two different religions" being followed within the worldwide Anglican Communion.

One is consistent with the God who has revealed himself in the Scriptures and in his Son Jesus Christ. The other reflects the spirit of the age in which we live.

We note with approval the clear statements of orthodox belief and rejection of these innovations made by the majority of Bishops of the global South, and also organisations such as the American Anglican Council and Anglican Mainstream UK. However, it is our observation that within Southern Africa, many people, both inside and outside the church, regard Anglicans as either having already departed from Christian orthodoxy, or that its leaders are "confused" on what constitutes the essentials of correct Christian faith and behaviour.

It seems to many that over the past few months, there have been frequent pronouncements in the media by people perceived to be speaking on behalf of the CPSA which clearly advocate support for full acceptance of homosexual practice as a valid option for Christians. Also, the slant in "discussion documents" put out by the CPSA, and in the content of officially recommended theological education, appears at odds with the CPSA's stated position on the authority of Scripture, human sexuality, etc.

We want to stress that we are not homophobic. Many of us have long
experience of pastoral ministry to people of homosexual orientation. Nor are we "uninformed", theologically illiterate or closed-minded. We have done our best to heed the call to listen to alternative views. We have studied them, but found that they do not provide sufficient justification to radically change key elements of "the faith once delivered to the saints". This is the Christian faith, delivered through the teaching of the apostles, which is relevant and authoritative in every age and culture.

Nor are we those who care nothing about injustice, or want to divert the
church away from its main task of bringing hope and healing to a suffering world. We believe however that if our ideas about humanity, God and salvation are wrong, then when we minister, it will be in our own strength, and we are bound to fail. Instead, we long to be a church which meets human need, both spiritual and physical, with God's resources.

Given that the church of the global South, including those Primates present at the recent conference in Lagos, has clearly rejected the innovations of revisionist theology, and given that the Windsor Report has unambiguously reprimanded ECUSA and the Province of Canada for their actions which have broken the bonds of communion, we wish to make the following statements:

1.. We thank the Bishops of the CPSA for their position statement, dated
August 2004, affirming Lambeth Resolution 1.10 and restating our church's orthodox position on the issue of human sexuality. We recognise the hard work and prayer that has gone into their presenting a united front in a context of debate and division in society on these issues.

2.. We are saddened though that because of the mixed signals mentioned above, the CPSA House of Bishops appears not to have distanced itself from false teaching, and in fact some Bishops have rather criticised those who wish to preserve orthodoxy in the church as "divisive".

3.. We are concerned that the leadership of the CPSA continues to pursue closer relationships with Dioceses in ECUSA, such as the Diocese of Washington, which have been censured for breaking the bonds of communion worldwide. This will inevitably seriously impair our relationship with other Provinces of the Global South.

4.. We fear that, by appearing to condone one aspect of sexual immorality, the church will lose the right to speak with authority on other moral issues, and our relationship with other Christian churches in Southern Africa and the world will be compromised.

Therefore, with respect, we implore the Bishops of the CPSA to:

a) Refrain from making statements in the media which contradict and
undermine the church's official position on human sexuality, and urge all
Anglicans to show the same restraint.

b) Publicly express some form of distancing from the recent actions of
ECUSA which have been censured by the Windsor Report.

c) Make an assurance that our future and identity as Anglicans rests
with the majority of Anglicans in Africa in their pursuit of theology,
ethics and mission which is Christ-centred and Bible-based.

We look forward to hearing your response to this letter. We would be most grateful if such a response could be directed to our executive.

Canon Dave Doveton
Convenor: Anglican Mainstream Southern Africa www.anglican-mainstream.org.za

END