The speed of modern communication has contributed both to the strengthening of bonds of affection, and to the frazzling of such bonds, among Anglican Christians. So it is that others in the Anglican Communion of Churches have taken increased notice of recent General Conventions of The Episcopal Church. In turn, we in The Episcopal Church can also follow the proceedings of the General Synod of the Church of England. Unfortunately, we often monitor each other only by reading broadsides and blogs; the crude generalities there have often been damaging.
As The General Synod of the Church of England proceeds this week, one particular motion for consideration urges the Church of England to develop a relationship with the "Anglican Church of North America." That group, of course, consists mostly of dis-affected former members of The Episcopal Church. The paper seems to make inaccurate claims about The Episcopal Church.
However, I salute the work of Simon Sarmiento in the Church of England, who has written a careful refutation of those claims. His paper can be found
here, at his blog, Thinking Anglicans. I also salute Tobias Haller, who seems to have assisted Sarmiento, and who has written his own note to General Synod of the Church of England on his blog,
here.
It takes effort to maintain bonds of affection, and part of that effort involves speaking truthfully, communicating honestly. It means being present with our brothers and sisters, no matter what the issue is. I understand and appreciate disagreement. But I appreciate even more those who take the time to set the record straight. Let us pray that our bonds of affection will enable us to speak the truth in love, more and more.
