Progress and obstacles” “

Papal authority, sexuality, liturgy, pastoral ministry, and rights of immigrants, on whose behalf appeals were made for the acceleration of asylum procedures: these were some of the main issues discussed at the Anglican Synod, the body that governs the Church of England, which met in London last week. Below we present a résumé of the Synod’s work on the basis of the main documents approved. A STEP FORWARD. What was hailed as an “important” step forward on the road to unity with Catholics was taken with the approval of the document “The Gift of Authority”, but the Synod decided to place a question mark against the universal primacy of the Pope. “The Synod welcomed the document prepared by the ARCIC Commission for inter-religious dialogue in 1999, but asked the Commission to explain more clearly in what the universal primacy of the Pope consists, what is his jurisdiction, and why the authority of the Pope is a gift”, explains Steve Jenkins, spokesman of the Church of England. It was the Anglican Primate, the archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams himself, who encouraged Anglicans to accept the central role of the Pope. He explained to the Synod that “the infallibility of the Pope arouses a series of fears that could be eliminated if it were to be considered a reliable way of understanding and resolving conflicts rather than the power of a single man to affirm the doctrine of the Church”. BUT OBSTACLES REMAIN. No change in the position of the Church of England on homosexuality, but an appeal for “a more moderate attitude to gays in all areas of the Church”: that is what emerged at the end of a long discussion at the General Synod of the Church of England, which voted by an “overwhelming majority” to accept a document drafted by the “House of Bishops” on sexuality: “Some Issues in Human Sexuality”. The text – explains the Information Service of the Anglican Communion – was presented by the Rev. Richard Harries, bishop of Oxford, specifying that the document “does not alter the position of the House of Bishops” on homosexuality, but intends to offer a “point of view in the light of traditional theology and current cultural attitudes”. The aim of the document is to encourage “greater understanding” of these issues within Anglican communities in England and Wales. According to the guidelines presented by the House of Bishops, homosexual clergy are asked to live this condition in celibacy. The document does however open the possibility of blessings for gay marriages. After the presentation of the document by Bishop Harries, many spoke from the floor. Testimonies were given among others by the Rev. Paul Collier of the diocese of Southwark who declared himself to be openly gay, although he had exercised the ministry for ten years. More cautious was the position of the Rev. David Banting of Chelmsford, who underlined the “major difficulties and divisions within the Anglican Church throughout the world” that the debate on homosexuality is causing. A MISSION SHAPED CHURCH. “The Synod also approved the report “Mission Shaped Church” which opens the door to so-called “café’ churches”, i.e. religious services accompanied by food and drink and services including rap music and more informal liturgical styles able to attract those unaccustomed to the traditional liturgy”, explains Lou Henderson, another spokesperson of the Church of England. Such services “have always existed in the Church and are very popular with the young. Since last week they have become ‘mainstream’, i.e. they now form part of the official liturgy”. “The Church of England has also given its permission to churches to sell off parts of their naves and crypts to coffee shop franchises, bars and night clubs so long as their use does not interfere with religious services”, explains Henderson. “The decision is aimed at helping churches that are experiencing serious financial difficulties. Hitherto the re-use of Anglican churches as cafés or night clubs was only possible if the church were deconsecrated and sold on the market”.