Recently, I heard of an interesting move at the worldwide Anglican Communion level. The various disputes (such as American conservatives appealing to African and other primates to establish a separate Anglican province in the U.S.) have emphasized the very real fact that there is no authoritative voice in Anglicanism beyond the province.

In other words, other than the traditional and ceremonial role of the Archbishop of Canterbury, there is nothing that makes one part of a worldwide Anglican Communion. Anglicans have, of course, always avoided the imperial papacy of Rome in which final control comes down from a single head through various levels of cardinals and archbishops. On the other hand, some kind of super-province authority is probably necessary.

The solution? Why not go back to the Bible? It is clear that the apostles governed the early church as a council. Peter was often the spokesman but it is obvious in the Acts of the Apostles and many parts of the epistles that he was not a ruler in the sense that the Roman pope became after the church became an official part of the Roman Empire and took on the structure of the Empire.

A proposal is being floated around which calls for the creation of an Anglican Communion Council that would be made up of the primates of the 38 recognized provinces. The Archbishop of Canterbury would presumably be the spokesman for the group but would not have any power over them in a direct sense (to avoid what some are calling an Anglican papacy). This council would make the statements of faith and practice that would be authoritative for the Anglican Communion. Instead of special interest groups shopping around for supportive primates and bishops in the communion, issues would come directly to the council for resolution.

This would require provinces to give up some of their autonomy, but it would also mean that the rampant confusion over the "official positions" of the Anglican Communion would be answered.

The bottom line is this, I think: Is it better to be part of an independent province or a worldwide communion? The Apostolic Council worked as the early church had to sort out very difficult issues that threatened its existence. There is no reason to think God will not send the Holy Spirit to guide such a council today.

(The Rev.) Michael T. McEwen

Asst. Prof. of Theology

St. Gregory's University

Shawnee, Okla.