Archbishop Eames has issued this statement:
(also available on ACNS)
Statement from Archbishop Eames regarding the current debate within the Anglican Communion
The Most Reverend Dr Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland, issued the following statement this morning regarding the current debate within the Anglican Communion:
“The current debate within the Anglican Communion is a theological debate and I find myself very disturbed by any speculation around the role that money may play in determining outcomes. Such speculation makes genuine communication difficult. I feel that when money or assistance is raised in any part of the Anglican Communion and offered for use where it may extend Christ’s kingdom, it should be offered and accepted in those terms alone.
“I in no way question the sincerity and integrity of the leaders of the Global South. As they are well aware, I have personally endeavoured at all times to maintain and understand the integrity of their argument. I categorically state I have never believed that any financial offer was accepted by any of those who represent the Global South on any other than terms of Christian outreach. I have communicated this response to Archbishop Akinola this morning.”
Someone help me out?
Is this an apology?
Is it a retraction?
I think the key to it is this sentence…
“I categorically state I have never believed that any financial offer was accepted by any of those who represent the Global South on any other than terms of Christian outreach.”
I would call this a clarification. ++Eames is trying to make his message as clear as possible. It is not an apology or a retraction.
The Diocese of Washington quoted Eames as saying he was “quite certain” that many church leaders in the developing world had been offered financial inducements to distance themselves from the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada. “I think it is happening, I just don’t think it is moral,” Eames said. “Is it the might of finance that will influence a theological outlook, and then that outlook come to dominate he Communion? “It raises a serious question for me: what is the real nature of their faith and their Anglicanism? It is certainly different from mine.” If Eames said… Read more »
I find the latest comments by Eames unreconcilable with what he is quoted to have said during the question and answer session at the Virginia seminary. I refer readers to the web page of the Diocese of Washington, where the Communications Staff for the Diocese reports the following in a 7 October news article about the Eames presentation: During an interview at the college, Eames expressed concern over the role that wealthy conservative donors in the United States were playing in the current controversy. He said he was “quite certain” that many church leaders in the developing world had been… Read more »