New denomination not the agenda

Proceedings opened this morning with African women from the Mother’s Union in traditional dress singing a melodic chorus in their own language – a sign that things have loosened up from the crosses, candles and cassocks of Day 1. The bishops are now pretty much indistinguishable from everyone else!

Despite this apparent informality, GAFCON is starting to reach the pointy end of its agenda, with much discussion now taking place about tomorrow’s draft conference communique. And not before time. The program is exhausting, the days are long and the weather hot. Our concentration is starting to flag. I’ve met so many people that the only way I can keep track of names is through all the business cards in my handbag.

Everyone understands the importance of what is at stake here and is desperately concerned that our deliberations reflect the mind of God.

The whole event is simply soaked in prayer and pleas for the leading of the Holy Spirit. In my Bible Study group, consisting of two African bishops (one from Nigeria and another from Kenya), a Kenyan laywoman, three American laypeople and an Irish layman, we have talked of little else, as we have shared our personal struggles and expectations of GAFCON.

Surprisingly, the issue of homosexuality, the ‘line in the sand’ issue that brought us all to Jerusalem, has received little direct debate. We all understand that it is the authority of Scripture which is at stake and on this rests the future of the Anglican Communion.

Secondly, there seems little stomach for a new Anglican denomination, at least for the moment. Rather, people seem concerned at how we can support those Anglicans whose ministry is threatened by any number of forces – the forces of ecclesiastical liberalism, militant Islam or grinding poverty and HIV/AIDS.

Above all, what it really means to be Anglican in this new global environment is the key question what will shape our deliberations for the remaining days.

Karin Sowada is a prominent Sydney Anglican and part of the Australian contingent attending GAFCON

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