Statement on the Windsor Report
Issued by The Most Rev Njongonkulu Ndungane
Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa
At Virginia Theological Seminary, USA
18 October 2004

The Lambeth Commission, set up to consider disagreements within the Anglican Community, has called for a halt to the public blessing of same sex relationships, and for no more actively gay bishops. The "Windsor Report," issued today in London, also criticises bishops who have responded to the row by acting in areas outside their jurisdiction.

The Archbishop of Cape Town, presently on sabbatical in the US, has responded by calling for Anglicans to engage fully with the whole report, as well as its recommendations. Describing it as "a rich gift of a deep theological and spiritual reflection on the nature of the common life of God's people," he says it offers "a ‘win-win' opportunity" which must be "grasped with both hands."

The lengthy Report ends with specific recommendations unanimously endorsed by the Commission members. These call for a moratorium on the consecration of any bishops living in a same gender union, and on the public Rites of Blessing of same sex unions. They also call on bishops to stop intervening in provinces, dioceses and parishes other than their own. Those concerned are requested to express regret for their actions and the adverse consequences of these on the "bonds of affection" which, rather than legal ties, bind the Anglican Communion of churches together.

Archbishop Ndungane says, "this is a substantive Report which requires careful consideration. It provides the Anglican Communion with space for reflection, dialogue and reconciliation. I call on all parties involved to take that process seriously, so we can restore a deeper unity to our Communion, and continue, with increased concord and purpose, the mission of Christ's Church."

He goes on to say, "the Report does not discuss the detailed issues of homosexuality - and neither shall I. As was its mandate, it invites us to engage with wider issues of shared fellowship and how we handle disagreements and divisions within the Anglican Communion. That is what is at stake here. Regarding homosexuality, the Church of the Province of Southern Africa is committed to the loving pastoral care of all its members, including those who experience themselves as having a homosexual orientation. We continue to require all unmarried clergy of whatever sexual orientation to be celibate, and do not bless same-sex relationships. We are meanwhile continuing with the process of listening, pastoral care, reflection and monitoring, which the Lambeth Conference initiated."

The Archbishop adds that the Christian understanding of the Trinity - God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in union yet distinct - is an important model for looking at the balance of autonomy and interdependence between the Provinces of the Anglican Communion. Indeed, it is a principle that can guide unity with diversity at every level of the Church. He also stresses the importance of the Anglican Communion maintaining a strong, clear voice against conflict, poverty and the scourges of HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB and other global issues.

[End]

For a copy of the full text of the Archbishop's statement, please contact Penny Lorimer, Media Liaison for Archbishop Ndungane, on 0027 (0) 82 894-1522

A full copy of the 93-page report will be published on www.anglicancommunion.org/windsor2004/index.cfm

(Do you want to see related pages, the whole site or the non-frames Sitemap?)