that synod

Unlike General Synod of the C of E, which gathers representatives (or delegates?) of two provinces (Canterbury and York) made up of 43 dioceses, some of which have existed for several centuries, the Southern Cone of South America has one province made up of 7 dioceses, which has existed for barely 30 years, although its first bishop was appointed in 1869.
However, like the C of E, decisions of its Provincial Synod, celebrated last month, look set to cause one diocese to seek other jurisdiction (albeit within the same Anglican Communion). The decision in question, not to allow member dioceses who so wish to ordain women to the presbyterate, has led the diocese of Uruguay, at an extraordinary synod of its own diocese, to look elsewhere for a context more favourable to their course of ministry.
The Southern Cone, well-known as conservative in its theology and culture (despite some quite radical surroundings in political terms), has long debated this question. Great care was taken to find a way to maintain unity within diversity, and to avoid imposing divisive choices on unwilling minorities. However, to the surprise of many, one of the three houses failed to agree by a sufficient majority to a change in the canons – and here we are…
Interestingly, in the debates leading up to the synod, the Indian churches in Northern Argentina took very seriously the respect with which their opinion was asked by other member churches, and agreed that the debate about women’s ministry must be given proper consideration and weight in each context. Sadly this will not now be possible until maybe one day we become more dioceses and provinces.
On a brighter note, we were privileged to be addressed by Dr Arnoldo Canclini, an eminent Argentine historian, on the early efforts of pioneer missionaries in Tierra del Fuego, without whom we would not have an Anglican church of the Southern Cone. That first bishop in 1869, Waite Stirling, standing praying on the shore of the Beagle Channel, described himself as “God’s southernmost sentry”. We were inspired to look forward and recommit ourselves to God’s purposes for this amazing continent.

Advertisement

1 Comment(s)

Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI