And the beat goes on ...

Responses to the GAFCON Statement

Lambeth Palace: Archbishop of Canterbury Responds to GAFCON Statement

I believe that it is wrong to assume we are now so far apart that all those outside the GAFCON network are simply proclaiming another gospel. This is not the case; it is not the experience of millions of faithful and biblically focused Anglicans in every province. What is true is that, on all sides of our controversies, slogans, misrepresentations and caricatures abound. And they need to be challenged in the name of the respect and patience we owe to each other in Jesus Christ.

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New York: Presiding Bishop

Much of the Anglican world must be lamenting the latest emission from GAFCON. Anglicanism has always been broader than some find comfortable. This statement does not represent the end of Anglicanism, merely another chapter in a centuries-old struggle for dominance by those who consider themselves the only true believers. Anglicans will continue to worship God in their churches, serve the hungry and needy in their communities, and build missional relationships with others across the globe, despite the desire of a few leaders to narrow the influence of the gospel. We look forward to the opportunities of the Lambeth Conference for constructive conversation, inspired prayer, and relational encounters.

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Canada: Gospel continues to be faithfully proclaimed

Archbishop Hiltz said the GAFCON statement “is based on a premise that there is ‘acceptance and promotion within the provinces of the Anglican Communion of a different gospel which is contrary to the apostolic gospel.” He added: “The statement specifically accuses Anglican churches in Canada and the United States of proclaiming this ‘false gospel that has paralyzed the Communion.’ I challenge and repudiate this charge.”

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Washington: Bishop John Chane

... There are primates, bishops, and others in the Communion who are actively seeking to undermine his office. He says that we should not "input selfish or malicious motives to those who have offered pastoral oversight to congregations in other provinces." But there is no doubt that extending such oversight is an effort to foment discord, and punish those who argue on behalf of the full inclusion of gays and lesbians in the life of our Communion.

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Southwark: Bishop lashes militants for splitting the church

It would seem that some of the authors of the statement from the conference and the founders of the new organisation are coming to Britain to recruit from amongst our parishes and clergy ...What is proposed goes against the spirit of Anglicanism and Archbishop Dr Williams is right to challenge them to think carefully before going on down this path.

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London: Inclusive Church

We regret the stumbling blocks which are created by the insistence on a narrow understanding of scriptural authority, especially for members of Anglican Churches in provinces whose leaders support the ideas of GAFCON. And those who break away from the Anglican Communion will still have the challenge of celebrating the diversity in God's universe, and acknowledging the divine gifts bestowed on people who may be marginalised in some provinces - especially women and lesbian and gay people.