Lambeth Urges Expanded Role for Primates
Episcopal News Service. August 11, 1988 [88173]
CANTERBURY, England (DPS, Aug. 11) -- An expanded role in decision-making for Primates and for the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) is called for in a resolution adopted by the Lambeth Conference on August 3. Over time, the move could curtail the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury and of the Lambeth Conference itself.
The resolution adds new elements to the four traditional instruments of Anglican authority and unity: the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lambeth Conference, Primates Meeting, and ACC. It calls for regional conferences, of a style and frequency to be determined as appropriate within the regions, to take place between Lambeth Conferences. The ultimate effect of such meetings in the decision-making process is undetermined.
The Primates, leaders of the Anglican Communion's autonomous churches, are to exercise "enhanced responsibility in offering guidance on doctrinal, moral and pastoral matters." They are also to be formally consulted in the appointment of any future Archbishop of Canterbury.
The resolution also affirms the role of the Anglican Consultative Council a body which includes bishops, clergy, and lay people from each province worldwide, and suggests that is should work "in close cooperation with the Primates' meetings."
Speaking in favor of the resolution, Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie said he welcomed the growth of the Primates' role. He said that while we must cherish our roots, we should also "keep the Archbishop of Canterbury cut down to size as a diocesan bishop, not an episcopal monarch or an alternate pope." The Archbishop drew laughter and applause when he said, "Finally, I don't think you need to be in too much of a rush to settle this matter." And he strode away from the podium briskly with a wide smile on his face.
The resolution also asks for there to be an urgent study of "the meaning and nature of communion" -- the way in which the different Provinces relate to each other. Communion is seen to be "impaired" now because of disagreements over the validity of women's ordination.