Woo-Hoo! Wakefield!!

First English diocesan vote rejects Anglican Covenant

Modern Church, Inclusive Church and the No Anglican Covenant Coalition are pleased with the result of the first diocesan vote on the proposed Anglican Covenant.

Both clergy and laity (the latter overwhelmingly) rejected the Covenant at the Wakefield Diocesan Synod meeting on Saturday 12th March.

While recognising the need to avoid the bitter controversies of recent years, we are glad that this Synod does not believe the Covenant is the way to do it. You can read the rest of the news release HERE at Thinking Anglicans.

Needless to say, this is hopeful news, especially to read that the laity were so strongly opposed to the document. And it is good to see that there is some independence of thought happening across the pond, and not just a "Oh, let's do this for ++Rowan" attitude. The Covenant, despite words to the contrary from some within the hierarchy of the Church of England, has the possibility of deepening the divisions that already exist and permanently rupturing trust. As Ms. Trentmacher in my last "Bishop Yellowbelly" series put it:

"This (the Anglican Covenant's section four which outlines settling disputes among covenant members) is like telling a mouse that is in trouble with other mice that it must go before a committee of cats."

So glad those in Wakefield understand that!