Canterbury & the CANA Effort

We learn that a conversation regarding the appointment of a Missionary Bishop Canon Martyn Minns to the United States under the auspices of the Church of Nigeria did take place between the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, and Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola. Hat-tip to Thinking Anglicans for locating the Archbishop's statement.

While the Archbishop of Canterbury suggested that such work take place under the umbrella of the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes (now commonly called the Anglican Communion Network), "the possibility of a Nigerian convocation in the United States and of the Nigerian House of Bishops commending, recommending or choosing a bishop was not raised and formed no part of these discussions…" See the details at Thinking Anglicans.

This action is dismaying. We are perplexed that the Archbishop continues to support and further the efforts of a rump group of disaffected American Episcopalians (the NACDP) whose stated aim is the displacement of the official, historic and legal Episcopal Church. We are now shocked that he would also further encourage missionary efforts in the United States in clear violation of the traditions and structures of the historic Anglican Communion and in flagrant violation of the Windsor Report. We call on him to abide by law and tradition of Anglicanism and cease to bow to the pressure of intruding foreign bishops.