Resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury

[ebia]

It is true that the ABC's power is, by far, limited to his own jurisdiction: the Church of England. However, as one of the Four Instruments of Unity, the ABC has a level of authority in the sense that it is up to whoever sits on the cathedra of Canterbury who is in Communion with him/her and who is not. That is real power and something that no one should take lightly.

Rowan, at least, did not think that power his to exercise.

 

[mark46]

Yes, we should separate the power/authority of the ABC.

I have no comment on how the ABC has exercised his power and authority as primate of the Church of England. I have more than enough to deal with in my own primate and others who chose to try to exercise power and authority in my own province.

The ABC has certain powers and authority under the Instruments of Unity. It does indeed seem that the ABC does not think that he has any power or authority under the Instruments.

Rowan, at least, did not think that power his to exercise.

 

[PaladinValer]

Rowan, at least, did not think that power his to exercise.

This is true, but in principle, that power is there which is inherit with the office of Archbishop of Canterbury.

That isn't to say it has to be used in a way to deal with any problems, but rather that it can be. I think +++Rowan was right and wise to refrain, for the most part, to not be heavy-handed. Could he have been otherwise though? Absolutely, and probably to the detriment of all. Should he perhaps been a little harder on certain points? Honestly, I think he could and should have, and I think it was within his personal capacity to do so without any serious ramifications. However, given the situation, I cannot fault him too harshly for declining to do so.

 

[ebia]

This is true, but in principle, that power is there which is inherit with the office of Archbishop of Canterbury.

That isn't to say it has to be used in a way to deal with any problems, but rather that it can be. I think +++Rowan was right and wise to refrain, for the most part, to not be heavy-handed. Could he have been otherwise though? Absolutely, and probably to the detriment of all. Should he perhaps been a little harder on certain points? Honestly, I think he could and should have, and I think it was within his personal capacity to do so without any serious ramifications. However, given the situation, I cannot fault him too harshly for declining to do so.

Perhaps the idea is more natural to those used to the constitutional monarchies of the UK, Australia, etc. I don't think in practice the ABC can use that power any more than the Queen can use her residual powers.

 

[PaladinValer]

Perhaps the idea is more natural to those used to the constitutional monarchies of the UK, Australia, etc. I don't think in practice the ABC can use that power any more than the Queen can use her residual powers.

The question boils down to, can and could +++Williams or any Archbishop of Canterbury before him or after him, since the founding of the United States and the interdependence of the Anglican Church therein, decide that The Episcopal Church is no longer in Communion with him (or her in future years)?

 

[ebia]

The question boils down to, can and could +++Williams or any Archbishop of Canterbury before him or after him, since the founding of the United States and the interdependence of the Anglican Church therein, decide that The Episcopal Church is no longer in Communion with him (or her in future years)?

In practice no more than the Queen can exercise her remaining powers, IMO.

 

[PaladinValer]

In practice no more than the Queen can exercise her remaining powers, IMO.

So does that mean that those provinces that have declared to be in impaired communion with TEC not have the power to do so? They are primates just as much as the ABC is.

 

[ebia]

So does that mean that those provinces that have declared to be in impaired communion with TEC not have the power to do so? They are primates just as much as the ABC is.

If there wasn't a difference we wouldn't be so interested in Canterbury.

 

[ebia]

http://www.fulcrum-anglican.org.uk/page.cfm?ID=710

 

[mark46]

Thank you for your post.

Fulcrum: Rowan Williams: An Appreciation

 

[Decanus]

At first I didn't like Williams, but now he's resigning, i'm actually sad to see him go. He really is a true man of God I think! He will go on to do great things elsewhere i'm sure and I wish him the best of luck!

As for his replacement, I don't wish to see either Chartres or Sentamu get the job. Even though they are the likely candidates, I can't shake off that I reckon they won't be chosen. I don't think we should have an elderly A of C, I think we should have a younger more vibrant one maybe? Someone who will be in the position long enough to make change or reverse change depending on what they believe.

I'm in favour also of another Liberal, I don't think I will be able to cope if an Arch conservative gets the job :'(

I'm sure they will make a wise decision.

 

[wayseer]

I loved that beautiful Welsh voice.