Commission's report on Anglican divisions is due next month

The Lambeth Commission on Communion will publish its report on October 18th, following its presentation to the Archbishop of …

The Lambeth Commission on Communion will publish its report on October 18th, following its presentation to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, titular head of the worldwide Anglican communion.

Under the chairmanship of the Church of Ireland primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, the commission was set up last October to address divisions among Anglicans.

Divisions arose following the nomination of Canon Gene Robinson, a homosexual, as bishop of New Hampshire in the US and the approval of a rite blessing same-sex unions in the Canadian diocese of New Westminster.

The commission was not asked to pronounce on sexuality issues, but it is expected that its report will recommend radical changes in the ways Anglicans relate to their different constituencies internationally. Its third plenary meeting took place in London last week.

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Archbishop Eames said the commission had been "greatly challenged" in its task.

"I have been privileged to work with such a dedicated team.

"I have no doubt that their collective insights and recommendations can and must make a profound and practical impact for good in the life and mission of the Anglican communion," he said.

Following an emergency meeting of Anglican primates in London last October, the commission was set up to make recommendations on how Anglicans could maintain the highest degree of communion possible internationally following the same-sex developments in North America.

Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry is a contributor to The Irish Times