July 29, 2008
Dear Friends:
Greetings once again from the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England. We are moving into the latter and most crucial days of this gathering. During these final days we will be discussing the topics of the Bible in Mission, Human Sexuality, and the Anglican Covenant. Please redouble your prayers for us these days.
This evening the Archbishop of Canterbury delivered his second Presidential Address to the Conference. He shared his desire for an Anglican Covenant and demonstrated a fair and accurate understanding of the two sides of the current debate over homosexuality, both the “traditionalist” and the “innovator.”
He closed by stating and asking: “I’ve made no secret of what I think that change should be — a Covenant that recognizes the need to grow towards each other (and also recognizes that not all may choose that way). I find it hard at present to see another way forward that would avoid further disintegration. But whatever your views on this, at least ask the question: ‘Having heard the other person, the other group, as fully and fairly as I can, what generous initiative can I take to break through into a new and transformed relation of communion in Christ?’”
The “Windsor Continuation Group,” appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury to address outstanding questions arising from the Windsor Report, has made several presentations and held a number of hearings. They have recommended adherence to the calls of the three moratoria of the Windsor Report: public Rites of Blessing of same sex unions, the consecration to the episcopate of those living in partnered gay relationships and cross border interventions.
In addition, they have recommended the formation of a “’Pastoral Forum’ at Communion level to engage theologically and practically with situations of controversy as they arise or divisive actions that may be taken around the Communion.” The Windsor Continuation Group also endorsed the ministry of a group with which I have been working as part of my appointment by the Presiding Bishop as an “Episcopal Visitor”: “We are encouraged by the planned setting up of the Communion Partners initiative in the Episcopal Church as a means of sustaining those who feel at odds with developments taking place in their own Province but who wish to be loyal to, and to maintain, their fellowship within TEC and within the Anglican Communion.”
You, brothers and sisters, remain in my thoughts and prayers. I am,
Yours in Christ,
+Michael
About the Bishop
- +Michael Smith
- The Rt. Rev. Michael G. Smith was elected the eleventh bishop of North Dakota in 2004. An enrolled member of the Potawatomi Nation of Oklahoma, he served churches in Oklahoma and Minnesota before coming to North Dakota. He is Chair of the Executive Council's Committee on Indigenous Ministries. Smith and his wife, the Rev. Lisa White Smith, are the parents of three grown children and the grandparents of three grandsons. He holds degrees in psychology, music, social work and theology from Oklahoma State University, Marymount College of Kansas, the University of Oklahoma and Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. He is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree in preaching through Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis. Bishop Michael places a high priority on the baptismal ministries of all the people of God, evangelism, youth ministry, the diaconate, Benedictine spirituality, preaching and theological education. His desire is that each of the congregations of the Diocese of North Dakota becomes a "community of disciples who make other disciples." As a Communion Partner bishop, he works and advocates for the adoption of the Anglican Communion Covenant.