LAMBETH CALL: HUMAN DIGNITY

PREFACE

ORIGINAL: All human beings are made in the image of God. Therefore, Anglicans are committed to respect, protect, and acknowledge the dignity of all. There has been, however, a gap between rhetoric and reality. Historical exploitation, deepening poverty, and prejudice continue to threaten human dignity. Amidst these threats, and our own divisions and discernment, we call for: (i) an Archbishop's Commission for Redemptive Action; (ii) the establishment of an Anglican Innovation Fund; and (iii) a reaffirmation of Lambeth I.10 that upholds marriage as between a man and a woman and requires deeper work to uphold the dignity and witness of LGBTQ Anglicans.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..."1 Peter 1:3

REVISED: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... 1 Peter 1:3

*DECLARATION

ORIGINAL: 1.1 Within God's good gift of creation (Gen. 1:31), humanity, male and female, is made in God's image and blessed by God's care and love (Gen. 1.26-28). This gives all human beings a dignity that cannot be taken away. "Whenever we face another, we see a reflection of God's infinite love and glory."

REVISED: 1.1 Within God's good gift of creation (Gen. 1:31), humanity, male and female, is made in God's image and blessed by God's care and love (Gen. 1.26-28). This gives all human beings a dignity that cannot be taken away. ix "Whenever we face another, we see a reflection of God's infinite love and glory."

ORIGINAL: 1.2 It is in Christ's mission that we know the grace of God and God's faithful love for every human being (Jn 3:16; Col. 1:15--20; Rom. 5:18--19; 1 Cor. 15:22; 2 Cor. 5:14--17; I Pt. 2:9). xi Humanity is offered new birth into a living hope through Christ's resurrection (1 Pt.1:3; 2 Pt. 1:14). As God's image-bearers, human beings are called to love God and to love each other (1 Jn. 4:11).

REVISED: 1.2 It is in Christ's mission that we know the grace of God and God's faithful love for every human being (Jn 3:16; Col. 1:15--20; Rom. 5:18--19; 1 Cor. 15:22; 2 Cor. 5:14--17; I Pt. 2:9). xi Humanity is offered new birth into a living hope through Christ's resurrection (1 Pt.1:3; 2 Pt. 1:14). As God's image-bearers, human beings are called to love God and to love each other (1 Jn. 4:11).

ORIGINAL: 1.3 The wonderful diversity of God's creation is echoed in the diversity of human beings.
Every human being is "a unique and deep mystery of inestimable value and dignity". This diversity among human beings and in all creation is good and beautiful. It can also be a source of tension and conflict, as shown in the story of the Tower of Babel.

Pentecost -- and the vision of Revelation 7:9 -- show how diversity is a good gift from God when, in the unifying power of the Holy Spirit, it is used in God's service and for the good of one another.

REVISED: 1.3 The wonderful diversity of God's creation is echoed in the diversity of human beings. Every human being is "a unique and deep mystery of inestimable value and dignity".
This diversity among human beings and in all creation is good and beautiful. It can
also be a source of tension and conflict, as shown in the story of the Tower of Babel.
Pentecost -- and the vision of Revelation 7:9 -- show how diversity is a good gift from God when, in the unifying power of the Holy Spirit, it is used in God's service and for the good of one another.

ORIGINAL: 1.4 Only Christ is the perfect image of God (Jn. 10:30). All human beings turn away from God's love and mar God's image. We sin. Respecting, honouring, and preserving the dignity of each human being involves acknowledgment of sin, repentance, and forgiveness. It is in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that the full potential of the human person is seen. It is in the gift of rebirth (Jn. 3:3) and renewed identity that the church, the body of Christ, is united. As a people redeemed by Christ, the Church is called to bear God's image, to be the body of Christ on earth (1 Pt. 3.9-10; Galatians 3.28).

REVISED: 1.4 Only Christ is the perfect image of God (Jn. 10:30). All human beings turn away from God's love and mar God's image. We sin. Respecting, honouring, and preserving the dignity of each human being involves acknowledgment of sin, repentance, and forgiveness. It is in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, that the full potential of the human person is seen.xvi It is in the gift of rebirth (Jn. 3:3) and renewed identity that the church, the body of Christ, is united. As a people redeemed by Christ, the Church is called to bear God's image, to be the body of Christ on earth (1 Pt. 3.9-10; Galatians 3.28).

ORIGINAL: 1.5 Therefore, the church catholic declares that life is sacred and all persons are worthy of respect and worthy of conditions that make for life in all its fullness. From such holy standards there can be no faithful dissent.

REVISED: 1.5 Therefore, the church catholic declares that life is sacred and all persons are worthy of respect and worthy of conditions that make for life in all its fullness. From such holy standards there can be no faithful dissent.

** AFFIRMATION

ORIGINAL: We are fellow-workers with God (1 Cor. 3:9) called to protect the gift of human life and the dignity of all human beings. xviii As Jesus washed the feet of both his denier and betrayer, we are called to follow his example (Jn. 13:12--17, 34--35). We are called to love one another.

It is the mind of the Anglican Communion that acts and attitudes against the dignity of God's children are sin. The legacies of colonialism, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and other abuses of power continue to impact our communities. Some have been enriched and some impoverished. International economic systems, built upon unjust structures of exploitation, have created dehumanizing conditions. The deep inequalities in access to land, health and education, exploitation of the young, unjust labor practices, mistreatment of ethnic minorities, migrants and refugees, the inhumanity of human trafficking, religious persecution, pressures on those guided by their freedom of conscience, oppression of LGBTQ persons, gender-based violence, war and sexual violence in conflict, in part, reveal such sin. Hospitality to all and faithfulness to each are key marks of a godly community (1 Pt. 4:8--10).

REVISED: We are fellow-workers with God (1 Cor. 3:9) called to protect the gift of human life and the dignity of all human beings. xviii As Jesus washed the feet of both his denier and betrayer, we are called to follow his example (Jn. 13:12--17, 34--35). We are called to love one another.
It is the mind of the Anglican Communion that acts and attitudes against the dignity of God's children are sin. The legacies of colonialism, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and other abuses of power continue to impact our communities. Some have been enriched and some impoverished. International economic systems, built upon unjust structures of exploitation, have created dehumanizing conditions. The deep inequalities in access to land, health and education, exploitation of the young, unjust labour practices, mistreatment of ethnic minorities, migrants and refugees, the inhumanity of human trafficking, religious persecution, pressures on those guided by their freedom of conscience, oppression of LGBTQ persons, gender-based violence, war and sexual violence in conflict, in part, reveal such sin. Hospitality to all and faithfulness to each are key marks of a godly community (1 Pt. 4:8--10).

ORIGINAL: 2.1 God intends life-giving inter-cultural community. Local missionary effort and contextual theology attest to a deep reception, contestation, adoption, and adaptation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ within and across cultures. However, international Anglicanism often emerged in the context of colonialism. We acknowledge the existence and ongoing impact of an imperialist Anglicanism involved in dehumanizing practices predicated upon cultural and racial supremacy. Any Christian commitment to human dignity must celebrate the rich diversities of contextual theologies and take account of Anglicanism's complicity in brutal and extractive colonialisms.

REVISED: 2.1 God intends life-giving inter-cultural community. Local missionary effort and contextual theology attest to a deep reception, contestation, adoption, and adaptation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ within and across cultures. However, international Anglicanism often emerged in the context of colonialism. We acknowledge the existence and ongoing impact of an imperialist Anglicanism involved in dehumanizing practices predicated upon cultural and racial supremacy. Any Christian commitment to human dignity must celebrate the rich diversities of contextual theologies and take account of Anglicanism's complicity in brutal and extractive colonialisms.

2.2 Unjust economic systems unfairly disadvantage the world's poorest communities.
Progress had been made in combating poverty. However, a global pandemic, rising inflation, and war has seen unprecedented reversals in the reduction of poverty.
The ongoing climate emergency (seen in, for example, increased global temperature, rising sea levels, and ocean acidification) creates further instability and food insecurity challenging efforts to eradicate poverty and create sustainable development now and in the future. In 2020, an additional 120--124 million people were driven back into extreme poverty. In 2022, it is estimated that between 657 million and 676 million people will live in extreme poverty. We lament these figures and the ways such poverty disproportionately impacts women and girls. A commitment to human dignity means the church stands in solidarity with the poor and the marginalized and stands in witness against injustice as the poor and the marginalized.

REVISED: 2.2 Unjust economic systems unfairly disadvantage the world's poorest communities.
Progress had been made in combating poverty. However, a global pandemic, rising inflation, and war has seen unprecedented reversals in the reduction of poverty. The ongoing climate emergency (seen in, for example, increased global temperature, rising sea levels, and ocean acidification) creates further instability and food insecurity challenging efforts to eradicate poverty and create sustainable development now and in the future. In 2020, an additional 120--124 million people were driven back into extreme poverty. In 2022, it is estimated that between 657 million and 676 million people will live in extreme poverty. We lament these figures and the ways such poverty disproportionately impacts women and girls. A commitment to human dignity means the church stands in solidarity with the poor and the marginalized and stands in witness
against injustice as the poor and the marginalized.

ORIGINAL: 2.3 Prejudice on the basis of gender or sexuality threatens human dignity. Given Anglican polity, and especially the autonomy of Provinces, there is disagreement and a plurality of views on the relationship between human dignity and human sexuality. Yet, we experience the safeguarding of dignity in deepening dialogue. It is the mind of the Anglican Communion as a whole that same gender marriage is not permissible. Lambeth Resolution I.10 (1998) states that the "legitimizing or blessing of same sex unions" cannot be advised. It is the mind of the Communion to uphold "faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman in lifelong union" (I.10, 1998). It is also the mind of the Communion that "all baptized, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation are full members of the Body of Christ" and to be welcomed, cared for, and treated with respect (I.10, 1998).

REVISED: 2.3 Prejudice on the basis of gender or sexuality threatens human dignity. Given Anglican polity, and especially the autonomy of Provinces, there is disagreement and a plurality of views on the relationship between human dignity and human sexuality. Yet, we experience the safeguarding of dignity in deepening dialogue. It is the mind of the Anglican Communion as a whole that "all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation are full members of the Body of Christ" and to be welcomed, cared for, and treated with respect (I.10, 1998). Many Provinces continue to affirm that same-gender marriage is not permissible. Lambeth Resolution I.10 (1998) states that the "legitimizing or blessing of same-sex unions" cannot be advised. Other Provinces have blessed and welcomed same-sex union/marriage after careful theological reflection and a process of reception. As Bishops we remain committed to listening and walking together to the maximum possible degree, despite our deep disagreement on these issues.

ORIGINAL: ***THE CALL

The scriptures witness to the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings because all are made in the image of God. In the great ethnic and cultural diversities of the Anglican Communion all are made in the image of God. All are equal. Indeed, it is God's intent to curate the richness of the world's cultures in the final and full revelation of God's glorious redemption (Rev. 21:24). Therefore, the bishops gathered at the Lambeth Conference 2022 call on the Church to protect the dignity of all creation, cultures, and human beings. We call the Communion to ...

REVISED: SPECIFIC REQUESTS
(The Calls)

The scriptures witness to the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings because all are made in the image of God. In the great ethnic and cultural diversities of the Anglican Communion all are made in the image of God. All are equal. Indeed, it is God's intent to curate the richness of the world's cultures in the final and full revelation of God's glorious redemption (Rev. 21:24). Therefore, the bishops gathered at the Lambeth Conference 2022 call on the Church to protect the dignity of all creation, cultures, and human beings. We call the Communion to...

ORIGINAL: 3.1 Support the establishment of an Archbishop's Commission for Redemptive Action (ACRA). This work will have, at least, four foci.

FIRST, the Archbishop of Canterbury should convene the ACRA as a group of theologians in the Communion, under the chairmanship of a Majority World theologian (we have in view here a leader from a community that experienced colonialism and slavery). The ACRA will study the reports and forensic accounting being produced by the Church Commissioners for England into the church's historic links to transatlantic chattel slavery.

SECOND: the ACRA will establish and publish holistic theologies of redemptive action and reparation, grounded in the great scriptural traditions of God's redemption in Christ, and the church's call to the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:17--19). We call upon the Archbishop of Canterbury (as Chair of the Church Commissioners' Board of Governors) to ensure that this theology shapes the Church Commissioners' response to the church's links to colonialism and slavery.

THIRD: the ACRA, in consultation with the work of the Church Commissioners, will identify criteria, communities, and programs that would serve a Communion wide witness to redemptive action.

FOURTH: the ACRA chairperson will present an initial plan of action to ACC-18. The ACRA will provide quarterly progress reports to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council.

REVISED: 3.1 Support the establishment of an Archbishop's Commission for Redemptive Action (ACRA). This work will have, at least, four foci.

FIRST: the Archbishop of Canterbury should convene the ACRA as a group of theologians in the Communion, under the chairmanship of a Majority World theologian (we have in view here a leader from a community that experienced colonialism and slavery). The ACRA will study the reports and forensic accounting being produced by the Church Commissioners for England into the church's historic links to transatlantic chattel slavery.

SECOND: the ACRA will establish and publish holistic theologies of redemptive action and reparation, grounded in the great scriptural traditions of God's redemption in Christ, Land the church's call to the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:17--19). We call upon the Archbishop of Canterbury (as Chair of the Church Commissioners' Board of Governors) to ensure that this theology shapes the Church Commissioners' response to the church's links to colonialism and slavery.

THIRD: the ACRA, in consultation with the work of the Church Commissioners, will identify criteria, communities, and programs that would serve a Communion wide witness to redemptive action.

FOURTH: the ACRA chairperson will present an initial plan of action to ACC-18. The ACRA will provide quarterly progress reports to the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council.

ORIGINAL: 3.2 Act for funded social protection measures across the Anglican Communion. Such action will mean, where possible, lobbying governments for social protection measures. It will also mean the Anglican Communion acting for social protection.

FIRST: in consultation with relevant sources and experts, at the next Primates meeting the Primates should explore together the meaning and implications of social protection in their contexts. The Primates will take the lead in witnessing to the life-changing potential of social protection schemes while equipping their bishops and dioceses to do the same in local contexts.

SECOND: because poverty is "a multifaceted problem that requires a multifaceted and integrated approach," resources that are economic, political, social, environmental, institutional, and spiritual need to be mobilized. In a bid to deepen spiritual and imaginative approaches to the eradication of poverty, and especially youth poverty, we call the ACC to establish an Anglican Innovation Fund (AIF). This fund will disperse financial support for young people (18--30 years old) that establish projects or businesses that combat poverty through special attention to social protection. In reference to 3.3.1, this initiative may find ongoing funding as an outworking of the ACRA and the Church Commissioners response to the historic injustice of slavery.

REVISED: 3.2 Act for funded social protection measures across the Anglican Communion. Such action will mean, where possible, lobbying governments for social protection measures. It will also mean the Anglican Communion acting for social protection.

FIRST: in consultation with relevant sources and experts, at the next Primates meeting the Primates should explore together the meaning and implications of social protection in their contexts. The Primates will take the lead in witnessing to the life-changing potential of social protection schemes while equipping their bishops and dioceses to do the same in local contexts.

SECOND: because poverty is "a multifaceted problem that requires a multifaceted and integrated approach," resources that are economic, political, social, environmental, institutional, and spiritual need to be mobilised. In a bid to deepen spiritual and imaginative approaches to the eradication of poverty, and especially youth poverty, we call the ACC to establish an Anglican Innovation Fund (AIF). This fund will disperse financial support for young people (18--30 years old) that establish projects or businesses that combat poverty through special attention to social protection. In reference to 3.1, this initiative may find ongoing funding as an outworking of the ACRA and the Church Commissioners response to the historic injustice of slavery.

ORIGINAL: 3.3 Extend the work of the Anglican Communion Office to Promote Human Dignity with Attention to Sexuality as well as Gender. We call upon the ACC (informed by relevant networks and departments of the ACO and informed by Lambeth 1998 resolution I.10), to examine whether its work on Gender Justice should be expanded to promote provincial and inter-provincial vision and practices toward human dignity with attention not only to gender but also sexuality. The ACC should explore this possibility at the ACC-18 meeting in 2023. At ACC-19 provincial and inter-provincial reports should be received and further recommendations made.

REVISED: 3.3 Extend the work of the Anglican Communion Office to Promote Human Dignity with Attention to Sexuality as well as Gender. We call upon the ACC (informed by relevant networks and departments of the ACO and informed by Lambeth 1998 resolution I.10), to examine whether its work on Gender Justice should be expanded to promote provincial and inter-provincial vision and practices toward human dignity with attention not only to gender but also sexuality. The ACC should explore this possibility at the ACC-18 meeting in 2023. At ACC-19 provincial and inter-provincial reports should be received and further recommendations made.

ORIGINAL CALL AFFIRMATION OPTIONS

OPTION 1: This Call speaks for me. I add my voice to it and commit myself to take the action I can to implement it.

OPTION 2: This Call requires further discernment. I commit my voice to the ongoing process.

REVISED CALL AFFIRMATION OPTIONS

OPTION 1: This Call speaks for me. I add my voice to it and commit myself to take the action I can to implement it.

OPTION 2: This Call requires further discernment. I commit my voice to the ongoing process.

OPTION 3: This Call does not speak for me. I do not add my voice to this Call.

Mary Ann Mueller is a journalist living in Texas. She is a regular contributor to VirtueOnline