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	December 2004
		The Windsor Report: a review and opinion by Will Briggs
			Many of us who hold a great deal of affection for Anglicanism have been aware of recent problems within the global Communion. In recent times, despite the protest of consensus, some unilateral actions appear to be threatening our global identity as a friendly community of churches. In particular, the Episcopal Church of the USA (ECUSA) consecrated a practising homosexual man as bishop; a diocese in Canada developed and uses a rite for blessing same-sex unions; and other bishops, in response, are exercising extra-ordinary episcopal ministry without permission. In the midst of this threat has come the release of the Windsor Report from the Lambeth Commission on Communion. If nothing else the Windsor Report provides an excellent explanation of how communion of an Anglican sort works. Tit-for-tat stand-off It explores how diversity and unity can be embraced as a dynamic means of recognising the ultimate authority of the 'triune God, exercised through scripture.' It talks about how 'autonomous' does not mean 'independent or sovereign' but obligation to consult when decisions affect others. It laments that we are in a 'tit-for-tat stand-off.' The Report explores how contentious issues (such as the ordination of women) have been resolved in the past and explains the advisory role of the so-called 'Instruments of Unity' which include the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Lambeth Conference. Its recommendations seek to strengthen the Communion by strengthening the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury as a unifying authority. It considers that the Archbishop, advised by a 'Council of Advice' and informed by 'Anglican Communion Officers' within each church, would be the best person to champion the cause of unity and to ensure (perhaps even 'enforce' through persuasion and withdrawal of invitation to Lambeth Conferences and the like) that the matters of common concern are discussed. It proposes a covenant to formalise this. The rub As for the immediate issues, it recommends that those involved apologise, consider standing aside, and commit to not repeat the action. The recommendations are reasonable. If implemented they would indeed make the process of discussion and resolution clearer and provide for Canterbury to be some sort of 'referee.' The rub lies in its acceptance. Will it work? Will ECUSA and others apologise? Will those with contentious plans be willing to submit them to consultation and enquiry? God remains The optimist within me would like to think so. The pessimist, however, acknowledges that the differences have reached the point of core beliefs. Friendship rests on shared meaning and mutual agreement on meaning and truth appears to be diminishing. The latest tensions may simply be more evidence of the end of the Christendom presumption that the institutional church and the people of faith are the same thing. But, even for us, who have affection for Anglicanism, this can not be a bad thing, for God remains God, and his people, his people.