Anglican bishops say ‘irreconcilable differences’ driving out some of the ‘faithful'

15-08-2008

London, Aug 15, 2008 / 04:00 am (CNA).-
Fourteen traditionalist bishops in the Church of England have written a
letter to 1,400 clergy explaining that some faithful Anglicans are
faced with "apparently irreconcilable differences" in matters of faith
and order. Arguing that the plans to ordain women bishops will exclude
substantial numbers of Anglicans, the letter calls for the respect of
those who have come to believe they can no longer remain within the
Anglican Communion.

The bishops write that they will support clergy who are unable to
remain in the Church of England, but they also pledge to reach a better
agreement for traditionalists who do not believe women should be
consecrated to the episcopacy.

The letter is signed by three senior bishops: Bishop of Chichester
John Hind; Bishop of Blackburn Nicholas Reade; and Bishop in Europe
Geoffrey Rowell, the UK Telegraph reports.

Addressed to 1,400 clergy who have indicated they are considering
leaving the Church of England, the bishops' letter is highly critical
of the Anglican General Synod's decision to ignore proposals for
compromise over the issue of women bishops.

The letter says the present plans would lead to the "inevitable
exclusion of substantial numbers of faithful Anglicans from the Church
of England."

"Different decisions should be respected and supported, including
that of those who have come to believe that fidelity to the faith we
have received means that they can no longer remain within the communion
of the Church of England.

"We are faced with apparently irreconcilable differences in matters
of faith and order, and it is important to try to conduct all
conversations and debates in a spirit of generosity even when
church-dividing issues are at stake," the letter continues, according
to the Telegraph.

The letter tells clergy that the situation is not a "necessary
conclusion" but the writers admit feelings of pain, bewilderment, and
disappointment over the Church of England leaders' decision to ordain
women bishops without providing concessions to objectors.

Bishop Stephen Venner, a deputy of the Archbishop of Canterbury who
supports the ordination of women bishops, last month said he felt
"ashamed" no compromise had been reached.

"We have talked for hours about how to give an honorable place for those who disagree," he stated.