Anglican Communion Institute (ACI)

Law and Ecclesiastical Polity: A Theological Approach

By Jordan Hylden The passing of Resolution A049 to authorize rites of blessing for same-sex couples was a cause of joy for many, and a cause of sadness for others. But one way or the other, the resolution has created something of a theological puzzle"”for what does it mean to "authorize" rites that declare God's blessing upon same-sex unions, while at the same time stipulating that those rites are "provisional," and cannot be performed without the permission of the diocesan bishop?

After the Fall

by Ephraim Radner Who are the predominantly younger theologians and priests clustering around The Living Church's Covenant blog? Or "A Tribe Called Anglican"? Or those who read more individual blogs like "Creedal Christian" or "The Conciliar Anglican"? Or those who have contributed to the recent book Pro Communione? Or who attend seminaries like Wycliffe College or Duke Divinity School?

How To Kill a Christian Church in Four Easy Steps

Hello, General Convention! Here's the answer I would give; and it doesn't appear to be that hard: Define the Gospel of Christ in terms of the smallest social unit and interest possible (e.g. homosexuals and their right to sexual affirmation) Define the episcopacy according to the smallest unit possible (e.g.

The Quincy Three, The Fort Worth Seven And Title IV: What Now?

By "¨The Reverend Canon Professor Christopher Seitz The Reverend Dr. Philip Turner The Reverend Dr. Ephraim Radner "¨Mark McCall, Esq. This weekend's news that Title IV "complaints" have been lodged against nine bishops brings together two matters that have long concerned ACI. The first is the polity of The Episcopal Church. For several years ACI has advocated the same understanding of TEC governance as the accused bishops.

Friend of Court Brief Filed in Fort Worth Lawsuit

Today several bishops of The Episcopal Church joined The Anglican Communion Institute, Inc. ("ACI"), in submitting an amicus curiae brief to the Texas Supreme Court in the lawsuit arising out of the withdrawal of the Diocese of Fort Worth from The Episcopal Church.

The Hope and Joy of Peace: Life Ahead in the Episcopal Church

The announced resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church of England's rejection of the Covenant promises a new free-for-all period among Anglican churches. Meetings are promised in London, Toronto, and elsewhere. Who knows where all this will lead. The moment, however, does provide a good opportunity to rethink and restate what conservative Anglicans like myself, who have remained in The Episcopal Church, are really after. It's worth reminding ourselves of our goals. I speak only for myself here, of course; although I imagine my views are shared by many.

The Communion After Williams

Rowan Williams' formal announcement of his resignation at the end of the year as Archbishop of Canterbury comes as no surprise. Well-sourced public rumors had been circulating for some months. It will take time to provide an accurate assessment of his tenure. He came to the position as the most highly touted Anglican theologian in generations.

The Anglican Communion Covenant and the Church of England: Ramifications

It is now clear that less than half the dioceses of the Church of England will agree, in both their house of clergy and house of laity, to “approve the draft Act of Synod adopting the Anglican Communion Covenant”. This article attempts to map out some of the ramifications of this development.

Executive Summary

Anglican Communion Covenant: Ten Reasons for Voting Positively

Because of its relevance to current circumstances both within The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, The Anglican Communion Institute is pleased to post this contribution by our colleague Andrew Goddard Published in the Church of England Newspaper and on Fulcrum Life is always more interesting when things don't go as planned. That alone should make the Anglican Communion Covenant interesting in 2012. General Synod rarely refers matters to dioceses. When it does, it often seems - as with women bishops - a procedural necessity with a foregone positive conclusion.

South Carolina: The Disciplinary Board Decides

We are greatly encouraged by the decision of the Disciplinary Board for Bishops to dismiss charges of abandonment against Bishop Mark Lawrence. We appreciate the timely decision by the Board and the articulation by its President, Bishop Dorsey Henderson, of the legal basis for the decision to dismiss.