THE WINDSOR REPORT

The Windsor Report was requested by the Archbishop of Canterbury in response to two actions: 1) the action of The Episcopal Church in consenting to the consecration of The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson as Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire 2) the authorization by the Diocese of New Westminster (Anglican Church of Canada) of services for use in the blessing of same sex unions. The Report was issued in October, 2004 and contained 4 sections:

Section A: The Purposes and Benefits of Communion

This section lays out the principal that Communion in our understanding is based upon our common unity in Jesus Christ. The Report affirms that while there is diversity of viewpoints within the Anglican Communion, recent developments in The Episcopal Church and The Church of Canada present serious problems for many within the Communion. Much work needs to be done as we move forward because while Anglicans have declared our central authority to be Holy Scripture, we have not fully articulated how this authority works within Anglicanism.

Section B: Fundamental Principals

This section identifies two fundamental principals upon which the Anglican Communion is built: shared inheritance (Anglican) and our worldwide fellowship as God's children (Communion). Such a communion involves mutual recognition and respect among churches, but also obligations regarding matters of critical mutual concern. The current situation brings us to the question of the meaning of diversity within communion.

Section C: Our Future Life Together

This section first identifies the four “Instruments of Unity” of the Communion. They are: The Archbishop of Canterbury (16th cen.), The Lambeth Conference (1867), The Anglican Consultative Council (1897-1968) and The Primates Meeting (1978). In order to further enable these 4 the Report suggests the following: a) A Council of Advice to assist the Archbishop of Canterbury b) development of shared principals of canon law for the Communion and c) consideration of an “Anglican Covenant.”

Section D: The Maintenance of Communion

This section makes several recommendations:

  1. TEC invited to express regret and Robinson consecrators invited to withdraw from representative function in the Communion. Effect a moratorium on the election and consent of any like candidates to the Episcopate.
  2. All Bishops called upon not to authorize blessings of same sex unions or call a moratorium.
  3. All Provinces urged to a process of discernment regarding these issues and to be pro-active in the support of human rights for all people.
  4. Pastoral care is called for those who are dissenting.

Conclusion:

The Report concludes by calling all parties to seek reconciliation and healing. While there is a recognition that the Communion may not “choose to walk together,” The Commission clearly prays that will not be the case.

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