Anglican Communion News Service

The Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, has held meetings in Washington DC with representatives of the various opposing groups in the Episcopal Church of the United States (ECUSA).

In the past few days the Primate, as chairman of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s International Commission, has held discussions in the Diocese of Virginia with representatives of those supportive and opposed to the election and consecration of the Rt Revd Gene Robinson as the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican Communion. Bishop Robinson was consecrated in New Hampshire on 2 November 2003.

The international Commission will meet throughout next week in England and is due to publish its findings in September. Whilst in Washington, the Primate held confidential discussions with representatives of the American Anglican Council, an organisation of conservative Episcopalians, and with Bishop Peter Lee and others who supported Bishop Robinson’s appointment.

Dr Eames commented, “It is important that I hear at first hand the feelings of those in the United States who are so divided on this issue. It was a genuine period of listening and questioning.”

ENDS

Irish bishops issue open letter on human sexuality

The Church of Ireland Bishops today issued an open letter offering to arrange meetings and receive written submissions on human sexuality issues.

The following is the full text of the Bishops’ letter

Following the Pastoral Letter on Human Sexuality in September 2003, the Bishops of the Church of Ireland have received responses from a number of groups and individuals. The bishops are aware that others may also wish to be heard.

To provide for this, a process has been set up to continue to listen.

Three options are offered:

• The bishops would like to meet as many as possible of those who wish to talk to them about their personal views and/or experiences. It is hoped that these meetings will take place during the latter part of this year. Those interested in meeting with the bishops should write giving a brief outline of their contribution to, Mrs Karen Seaman, Secretary’s Office, Bishop’s House, Moyglare, Maynooth, Co. Kildare or e-mail: klseaman@iol.ie
• Some people may prefer to correspond with the bishops about their personal views and/or experiences and these may be sent to the Secretary, Mrs Karen Seaman. Correspondence may be signed or anonymous as the writer wishes.
• If it becomes apparent that some people would prefer to communicate with them through a confidential third party or parties, such a facility will be provided. Details will then be publicised.

In the event of the bishops being unable to accommodate every request for a meeting, they intend nonetheless to hear a broad range of opinions and experiences.

ENDS