Canon Harmon Makes A "Realistic" Prediction
The Rev. Dr. Kendall Harmon of Titusonenine has warned traditionalist Anglicans that "this whole process is going to take longer than a lot of traditional Anglicans think." He warns in this video from Stand Firm that one should not expect dramatic actions from the Primates' meeting starting Feb. 14 in Tanzania.
I understand why the good canon is saying this. Anglican Primates' meetings have taken rather cautious actions with regard to TEC up to this point. But if he is right and nothing serious is actually done at this meeting to provide for the orthodox within TEC, will orthodox Anglicanism within the bounds of the worldwide Communion survive inside the US? Even rock solid dioceses like San Joaquin or Fort Worth might start to unravel if nothing real happens in three weeks. We have already been waiting for three and a half years for something concrete to be done. A few parishes in heretical dioceses have received help from overseas, but for those still within TEC things just keep getting worse. If nothing real is done in Tanzania (like an alternative Primate for the orthodox who is not under PB Schori's authority)--if all we get is more talk and threatened disciplinary action of TEC at some future date--will there be anyone left to care by the time Lambeth 2008 gets here? How many orthodox within TEC will hold on for another year and half waiting for the bare possibility that the Lambeth Conference will finally take real action? The Tiber, the Bosporos, and the Continuum beckon. How many will take the plunge if Tanzania bears no real fruit?
I understand why the good canon is saying this. Anglican Primates' meetings have taken rather cautious actions with regard to TEC up to this point. But if he is right and nothing serious is actually done at this meeting to provide for the orthodox within TEC, will orthodox Anglicanism within the bounds of the worldwide Communion survive inside the US? Even rock solid dioceses like San Joaquin or Fort Worth might start to unravel if nothing real happens in three weeks. We have already been waiting for three and a half years for something concrete to be done. A few parishes in heretical dioceses have received help from overseas, but for those still within TEC things just keep getting worse. If nothing real is done in Tanzania (like an alternative Primate for the orthodox who is not under PB Schori's authority)--if all we get is more talk and threatened disciplinary action of TEC at some future date--will there be anyone left to care by the time Lambeth 2008 gets here? How many orthodox within TEC will hold on for another year and half waiting for the bare possibility that the Lambeth Conference will finally take real action? The Tiber, the Bosporos, and the Continuum beckon. How many will take the plunge if Tanzania bears no real fruit?
posted by Texanglican (R.W. Foster+) | 3:05 PM
2 Comments:
Though we come from different perspectives, Fr. Harmon and I agree on one thing: nothing big will happen in the next three weeks. As in, no one will be given an alternative primate. That's my prediction. We'll see what happens.
I agree, Richard. My impression of the people in the Church who adopt that prediction have done it as a direct result of being burned one too many times. Once bitten, twice shy.
Randall, I have a serious question for you. Why does the Dio. of Ft. Worth continue to ordain women deacons? I'm not quite sure how a Diocese can claim to be "rock solid" or apostolic if they are still laying hands on ladies. I'd really like to know how the DFW approaches this question. Thanks in advance!
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