Dealing with conflicts in the Anglican Communion - part 1

This session looks at the different approaches that GAFCON and the Lambeth Conference have to the issues of homosexuality, scripture and the structures of the Anglican Communion.

GAFCON take the view that changing the traditional understanding of homosexuality is a "different gospel". The Lambeth statement talks of the variety of views in society and the church and how views have changed over time.

In terms of dealing with conflict GAFCON seemed to be taking an uncompromising line, their statement was unambiguous. Lambeth on the other hand clearly saw that there were a number of views sincerely held. No preference was given for any particular view. In discussion a number of points were made:

• it seems that more people are know to be homosexual in affluent societies. Why might this be so? Possibly this is about affluent societies tending to be more tolerant of difference and therefore homosexual people are more comfortable to be identified?
• societies have changed a lot over the years. Our society now is much more accepting of homosexuality that it was a few generations ago.
• this issue might be so divisive that unity on it is impossible.

Looking at more statements form GAFCON and Lambeth specifically about homosexuality. GAFCON see the acceptance of same-sex unions as a "false gospel". Lambeth again recognizes the variety of views without preferring one over another, and talks of some people coming to a new understanding of scripture and pastoral theology which is more accepting of same sex relationships.
How did the group respond to this? Not surprisingly a range of opinion.

• some agreed with GAFCON that this 'new understanding' was wrong, others felt that a new understanding of scripture was possible and desirable.
  
• we can always see new things in the bible.
  

We also had a general discussion on this issue:

• we talked about what might cause someone to have a homosexually orientation. There are many theories, eg. genetic, exposure to hormones in womb, sociological/upbringing. But there seems to be no clear answer. It seems that most people accept that it is not possible to make someone change their sexual orientation and so we have to have the discussion in light of this.
• people seem much more concerned about male sexuality than female, eg. much more difficult for boys or men to behave in stereotypically female ways than the other way round. We wondered why this might be. Some of us felt that men were more insecure in their sexuality than women.

We considered how we might be able to deal with the tensions that this debate/disagreement creates. Again we had different ideas on this.

• can't agree to differ - a split within the Anglican Communion is almost inevitable.
• the idea of a 'Big Tent' in which there is a place for different beliefs. Seen as fundamental to the nature of the Anglican church.
• is it possible for different parts of the communion to move at different speeds? see foe example ordination of woman to the priesthood and as bishops.
  
• while the Church of England holds a tentative position people from both sides might be happy to stay - if a definitive position was adopted people might feel compelled to leave.
• we need to listen to each other.
  

(out of time again! will continue next week).