The Resolution from the Southern Cone

At their provincial synod last week in Valparaiso, Chile, the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone passed a resolution regarding the dioceses that are considering departing from TEC. The text of the resolution follows, with the final two paragraphs being particularly important for the four dioceses who are presently considering departing from TEC to realign with another province overseas.

Southern Cone

Resolution of the Provincial Synod of the Southern Cone of America:

We recognizing with great thankfulness the diocese and parishes clergy and laity of the Episcopal Church in the USA who have continually made clear their desire to remain faithful to the historic faith and order of the Anglican Communion.

Given that resolution 1.10 of the L 1998 articulated the clear teaching of the Anglican Communion with regard to human sexuality and that this teaching has been widely ignored by many dioceses, parishes, and clergy of the Episcopal Church in their life and teaching,

Given that the Episcopal Church, against the clearly expressed voice of the Primates of their meeting of Oct 2003, notoriously consecrated as bishop a priest who was in a known homosexual relationship, an act which has torn the fabric and trust within the Communion,

Given the failure of the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church to give a clear and unequivocal response to the Windsor Report,

Given that the House of Bishops and the Exec Council of the Episcopal Church have rejected the pastoral scheme proposed by the Primates in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, in Feb 2007,

Given that no adequate response has been made by the Episcopal Church to the questions set by the Primates in Dar es Salaam and that a significant number of bishops have publicly expressed their intention to permit the blessing of same-sex unions,

Given the widespread use of lawsuits and threats against dioceses and parishes as well as bishops, clergy and laity who seek to remain faithful to the historic faith and order of the Anglican Communion,

And until the Episcopal Church

Repent and comply with the requests of the Windsor Report

Respect the conscience of the parishes and dioceses which wish to adhere to the theological moral and pastoral norms of the Anglican Communion once held by the Episcopal Church

And its Presiding Bishop and officers cease to pursue and intimidate these dioceses and parishes by means of lawsuits, confiscations, and depositions or until adequate effective and acceptable alternative Primatial and Episcopal oversight be offered as recommended by the Primates in Dar es Salaam

Or

Until the ABC take clear action and respond effectively to the legitimate and urgent concern of the alienated parishes and dioceses of the Episcopal Church offering pastoral leadership to protect them

WE the Provincial Synod of SCA meeting in Valpariso in Chile Nov. 2007 welcome into membership of our province on an emergency and pastoral basis those dioceses of the Episcopal Church taking appropriate action to separate from that church.

We do this in order that such dioceses may continue in the mainstream of the Anglican Communion and be faithful to its Biblical and historic teaching and witness; and we pray for God's grace and help to resolve the painful, critical situation in our beloved Anglican Communion.

Received 11/09/07, emphasis added to final two paragraphs