http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_52962_ENG_HTM.htmWindsor Report offers recommendations, calls for reconciliation
by Matthew Davies and Jan Nunley
Monday, October 18, 2004
Stating that it is "not a judgment" but "part of a pilgrimage towards healing and reconciliation," the report of the Lambeth Commission on Communion -- known as the Windsor Report <
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/windsor2004/index.cfm> -- was released at a news conference held October 18, 2004, at St. Paul's Cathedral, London.
The chief recommendations of the Windsor Report include:
An enhanced role for the Archbishop of Canterbury
A Council of Advice for the Archbishop of Canterbury
An Anglican Covenant
Recommendations on elections to the episcopate
Recommendations arising from the consecration of the Bishop of New Hampshire
Recommendations on Rites of Blessing of Same Sex Unions
Recommendations on alternative pastoral oversight
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_52961_ENG_HTM.htm >
The report asks for all parties to the controversy to apologize for ways in which their actions have harmed others. The document specifically calls on the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada to put into effect a moratorium on the ordination of sexually active gay clergy as bishops and on same-sex blessings, while asking that conservative bishops likewise cease to cross jurisdictional boundaries to offer episcopal oversight to dissenting congregations.
In a statement <http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_52922_ENG_HTM.htm> on the report, released shortly after the news conference, the Episcopal Church's Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold called for a careful and patient reading of the full report. "In these next days the Report will doubtless be read from many points of view and given any number of interpretations," he said. "It is extremely important that it be read carefully as a whole and viewed in its entirety rather than being read selectively to buttress any particular perspectives."
While affirming "the presence and positive contribution of gay and lesbian persons to every aspect of the life of our church and in all orders of ministry," he apologized on behalf of the Episcopal Church for the effects of its decision on other provinces. "As Presiding Bishop I know I speak for members of our church in saying how highly we value our Communion and the bonds of affection we share," Griswold stated. "Therefore, we regret how difficult and painful actions of our church have been in many provinces of our Communion, and the negative repercussions that have been felt by brother and sister Anglicans."
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