Discerniment and courage to decide!
As a guest of the PB I'm participating for the first time in a General Convention.
My
feeling is of joy by the warm welcome I received and the constant and
efficient work of volunteers who have had a very important role in this GC.
My gratitude for the gesture of welcoming to many brothers and
sisters from around the world revealing the true meaning which is written on the
banner in front of the Convention Center.
I have seen with much
appreciation the excellent level of discussions among delegates. Even
on controversial subjects I can see a commitment to each other with the
truth
and with respect. And here I say that this convention will be
historic because it can mean a breakthrough in the way of how the TEC
believes that it should take its part in the mission of God's people.
For some groups, this GC is almost a character of a referendum in which
the
TEC will decide whether to continue or not in the Anglican Communion.
For these people maintenance of unity is a submission of a member as a
evidence of goodwill. It seems to me that people still do not
understand what the Archbishop of Canterbury has said continually about
the need to rescue the truth as the founding basis of fidelity to the
Gospel. This GC received with great affection the Archbishop, giving to
him respect for his honest statements on the life of the Communion. It
was a
gesture of diplomacy, but also a sincere fraternal welcome. At the
panel on the economic
crisis a a passionate ovation was given to him recognizing his wise
words. We saw a complete agreement between him and the Presiding
Bishop Katharine
Jefferts on the way they understand the causes and the complexity in
how the crisis could be faced.
When, in the other hand, it comes to discussing the inclusion of gays
and lesbians in
the full life of the Church necessarily they are not requirede to say
the same words. Those who are not commited with the diversity see this
agenda as an irreconcilable dispute that finally will break the unity
within the
Anglican Communion.
I have heard arguments that we must have patience, wait,
show good will and many other adjectives that are unilaterally placed
on the shoulders of the TEC. Here perhaps lies the question: why should
only some be patients? You can not say that the unity of the Anglican
Communion is based only on submission. You can not make the connection
between equity and capitulation. Capitulate means losing a war and
recognize a winner. You can not compare the Communion with a huge
battlefield where some try to raise their flag as final winner.
Resolution
B033 is being discussed. With high level of respect for diversity of
opinions. I did not see any delegation condemning their opposites for think in a
different perpspective. Each defends its belief with deep personal commitment to be
understood. There is no
hurry to close the question, but a deep searching process of discerniment.
Certainly there will be a decision to revoke or not the resolution
B033, taken in the last Convention. I'd like to say to the sisters and
brothers of TEC is: do not be afraid to do what you consider to be
done. Raise
your hearts to God and feel what He wants you to do. You will never be
alone on the road.
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