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Anglican Church in America and Anglican Province of America in Reconciliation Talks
By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
October 27, 2013
The Presiding Bishops of two Continuing Churches have issued a Pastoral Letter announcing that a "reconciliation process" between the two Anglican bodies is under way, but full reunion is still out of reach at this time.
The Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Church in America, the Most Rev. Brian Marsh and the Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Province of America, The Most Rev. Walter Grundorf (APA) said in a Pastoral letter that a reconciliation agreement represents an historic step forward in the realignment of Classical Anglicans in the United States and throughout the world.
"It has been a catalyst for closer cooperation between groups of Anglicans who share a common theology and a unity of purpose. The reconciliation agreement and the attendant cooperation that has been engendered by it cannot be minimized. It is an important document and will no doubt be long regarded as a necessary step in the reunion of Classical Anglicans," they wrote.
"At the present time, both the ACA and the APA have agreed to hold concurrent synods at a common location in October, 2014. These synods will bring our two jurisdictions together for worship and fellowship. Business sessions will be held separately, as is appropriate to individual jurisdictions."
The bishops explained this was being done "in an atmosphere of mutual support and cooperation."
Both bishops urged caution in assuming this would mean "complete reunion" of the two jurisdictions. "This is not the case. It is premature to enter into serious talk of such reunion when there are many preliminary details that must be worked out and many other issues resolved. Complete reunion between our jurisdictions, if and when it happens, must be left to the grace of God."
A Reconciliation Committee has produced a common Constitution to be proposed for adoption by the synods of both jurisdictions. The committee is also working on a unified set of canons.
Both acknowledged that past history of both churches involved considerable heartbreak. "The many fractures, schisms and improper activity have all caused great pain and injury within God's church. Much pain, along with its attendant trust issues, still remains. These should be discussed in a forthright and transparent manner. But we need also remember that, as Christians, we must be prepared to adopt an attitude of forgiveness for those who we perceive have injured us, just as we must also adopt a penitential approach to those we may have harmed. This is God's way. And we pray that He will be pleased with our work, as we seek to promote healing and full reconciliation."
Any final decisions must come before the councils of the church for ratification, they added. "Until full reconciliation is finally achieved, we must seek only to greet each other in love, working to heal the church and seeking to do no harm to any of God's people."
In 1998 the Reformed Episcopal Church signed a concordat of intercommunion with the Anglican Province of America.
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