93 Nigerian bishops just met for their annual retreat. Following this two statements were issued:
2007 Episcopal Retreat Pastoral letter: Bishops respond to prevailing Nigerian issues.
Episcopal Retreat Communiqué: Communiqué released from the annual bishop’s retreat addresses leadership concerns.
The latter includes this passage:
Lambeth 2008
We stand by our earlier endorsement of the recommendations of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA) document: “The Road to Lambeth” and maintain the posture that we cannot claim to share fellowship with member-Provinces that denigrate the authority of Scripture on the life of the Church. Our participation in this worldwide fellowship is contingent on genuine repentance by those who have chosen to walk away, for two cannot walk together except they are in agreement. Christian unity must be anchored on Biblical truth.
The Bishops are delighted that the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) – an outreach initiative of the Church of Nigeria is taking giant strides. Worthy of special mention also is the success story of the Church of Nigeria Missionary Society outreaches to other parts of world. We therefore reaffirm our commitment to the Great Commission, which is the primary reason for the election of 19 new Bishops for newly created missionary dioceses in different parts of the country.
The Nigerians have clearly rejected Windsor (which was really about inadequate consultation & trying to hold disparate viewpoints together, while allowing for the possibility the that future might entail the full inclusion of gays & lesbians in the life of the Church, the trouble being that TEC & New Westminster had moved too quickly & violated the bonds of affection) — but in truth the Nigerians & their allies have never really accepted Windsor. There is no way that TEC could placate Nigeria without becoming a totally different entity & that is simply not possible (even if it were thought… Read more »
Prior Yes, it is taking a long time. But the dialogue has been useful. As we articulate the issues of where people are coming from and why they are making the choices, we are refining our theologies. The lessons we are learning are being considered outside of our own communion. The dynamics are being contemplated not just in terms of how our communion operates, but how and why it was formed. It is rippling into a contemplation of the dynamics between church and state, public and private faith, inter-faith dialogue, conflict resolution, peace making, slavery, what is God and that… Read more »