Primates outline their roles, commit to 'journeying together in honest conversation'

Letters, statements address pressing global and domestic concerns

By Matthew Davies

[Episcopal News Service, Dublin, Ireland] A video stream of Presiding
Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori reflecting on the Primates Meeting is
available at http://bit.ly/eUaGo3.

The primates of the Anglican Communion have spent much of their Jan. 25-30 meeting in Dublin, Ireland, developing a working document that outlines the nature and responsibility of their roles as church leaders and emphasizes their commitment to working together "in faith, hope, and love … to build our communion and further the reign of God."

The primates agreed that their key responsibilities are providing a focal point for unity, addressing pressing issues of global concern and advocating for social justice.

"By God's grace we strive to express … unity in diversity which is the Spirit's work among the churches of the communion and the community of primates," the document says. "In our common life together we are passionately committed to journeying together in honest conversation."

The primates have written letters addressing several global and domestic issues, such as gender-based violence, the crisis in Zimbabwe, Christian persecution in Pakistan, instability in Egypt, and national division in Korea.

A letter to the Israeli prime minister underscores the primates' concern that the resident permit of Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem Suheil Dawani has been suspended, making it impossible for him to leave the country. Another letter offers prayers and solidarity to Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul and the Episcopal Church of Sudan in light of the country's recent referendum on independence.

In three separate statements, the primates spoke out on climate change, the ongoing crisis in Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating January 2010 earthquake, and deplored the murder of Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato, who was bludgeoned to death in his home community on Jan. 26. In the latter statement, the primates reaffirmed that the Anglican Communion condemns violence against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who represents the Episcopal Church at Primates Meetings, said: "It's been a wonderful meeting, filled with grace, challenging conversations, but a clear sense that everyone is working together."

"The first priority has been to build a working community of primates, to build relationships," she told ENS following the meeting, adding that she is grateful for the prayers of Episcopalians and Anglicans around the communion. "Your prayers have borne fruit in this place," she said.

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Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79425_126780_ENG_HTM.htm