The devastating terror attacks of Sept. 11 [TLC, Oct. 7] necessitated a transfer of venue for the International Anglican Theological and Doctrinal Commission (IATDC) which was to have met Sept. 14-18 at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Va.

Many members were either passing through London en route to the U.S., or beginning their journey in the United Kingdom. Because of the disruptions in air travel, and the pastoral commitments of those based in the United States, the group felt it had to proceed in the absence of some members. The group met at a retreat center in Wimbledon, England, under the chairmanship of the Rt. Rev. Stephen Sykes. This was the first meeting of a newly constituted commission, appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The IATDC was asked by the archbishop to focus on several areas that are of critical importance to the Anglican family at this time. Those issues include the limits of diversity within a communion of churches and the implications of being in communion with the See of Canterbury. With several members unable to be present, it was not possible to enter in depth into the substantive issues related to the mandate. However, the commission was able to identify the key questions that will need to be faced in the study of "communion."

They are: 1. When we speak of the Anglican Communion, what do we mean by the word Communion? 2. What is it that makes some disputes so crucial that failure to resolve them threatens a break in communion? 3. In what way are Christian teachings about moral behavior integral to the maintenance of communion? 4. In addressing these questions, how far does the Virginia Report -- issued prior to the 1998 Lambeth Conference -- meet the relevant situations that have arisen in the Anglican Communion since its publication?

Anglican Communion News Service contributed to this article.