Common Cause Takes the Next Step

The Leadership Council of the Common Cause Partnership took the next steps toward a future Anglican union during their meeting over the last two days in Orlando, Florida. They took care of the kind of "housekeeping" that is necessary before much substantive progress can be made on unity, electing officers and ratifying certain documents. While a few people may have been over-enthused about the idea that a new "province" would be announced this week (and hence may be disappointed) in fact the CCP has always been designed as a long-term project. As outlined last September, for example, it is expected to be several more months (at least) before the CCP will even be in a position to hold itself out for recognition by the provinces of the Anglican Communion. And it may be more than a year, apparently, before CCP members are planning a "constitutional convention for an Anglican union." So hold your horses. But things are happening. Festina lente.

I note that the communique of the Leadership Council released this evening uses the word "Federation" (with a capital "F") as a synonym for the CCP, and the new website for the CCP uses the phrase "a federation of Anglican Christians in North America" to describe the organization. The introduction to the communique on that website refers to "the Common Cause articles of confederation," and the Leadership Council refers to "the Articles of Federation" as well (apparently referring to this document). As of today that is the "separate ecclesiastical structure” in North America that we have been awaiting--not quite a separate "province" but clearly a "federation" heading toward an "Anglican Union." A good beginning, IMHO.

Here is an excerpt from the official communique of the Leadership Council (hat tip to Stand Firm):

We created the structure called for in the Articles of Federation now adopted by nine of our partners. We elected officers of the Federation and formed an executive committee, as well as other committees and task forces. We have also begun work to harmonize and strengthen our common call to Christian education and mission. We expect these committees and task forces to begin work early in the New Year. We are beginning to explore the expanding possibilities for ecumenical contact with fellow Christians in North America and around the world.

Our actions today dramatically reversed the fragmentation and separation of the past. We stand committed to the "faith once delivered to the saints" as expressed in our now ratified theological statement. The Common Cause Partnership is united in faith with the vast majority of members of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We are especially grateful for the support and recognition given to us by the provinces of the Global South that have encouraged us to come together in common cause for the Gospel. ...

Each Common Cause Partner will continue to live out its unique role, maintaining its distinctive ministry and character, noting the provision of the Articles of Federation that "the autonomy of the individual Jurisdictions and Ministries, and their constituent bodies, is in no way restricted or superseded by membership." In the months and years ahead we anticipate a growing number of joint mission initiatives that will strengthen our witness as united and faithful Anglicans in North America. "So in Christ, we who are many, form one body..." (Rom. 12:5). To God be the Glory.

UPDATE (Dec. 19th): I spoke this afternoon with a participant in the meeting (a FiFNA representative from our diocese) who said the meeting went well with a very positive spirit. He was quite well pleased. And he was encouraged by the level of cooperation.