The Archbishop of Canterbury kept a special communion service for gays so
secret that he failed to tell the Bishop of London it was happening in his
diocese, The Times has learnt.
Dr Rowan Williams inflamed the row over homosexuality which is tearing apart
the Anglican Church when it was reported that he had agreed to hold a
eucharist for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender clergy.
But even his critics have been taken aback to learn that he did so by making
an incursion on to the patch of the Bishop of London, the Right Rev Richard
Chartres, without giving notice or seeking permission.
Dr Williams now risks being seen as, at best, discourteous and at worst, in
breach of canon law, for sneaking into a church near the Tower of London
under the Bishop’s nose. Canon law says that only a bishop can authorise
services in his own diocese and infringements may result in an intruder
being removed from office.
The gays’ venue of choice was drenched in symbolism. The stones and beams of
the 7th century church of All Hallows by the Tower have borne witness to the
persecution of misunderstood, but ultimately vindicated, Christians down the
ages. The headless bodies of the martyr saints Sir Thomas More, John Fisher
and William Laud were taken there after their executions at the Tower.
Lambeth Palace is justifying the sortie by relying on a rule designed to
provide short-term stand-ins for sick or holidaying vicars. But a spokesman
made no reply when The Times suggested that the Archbishop’s behaviour might
be seen as rude.
The Bishop of London’s spokesman said: “The Bishop wasn’t aware it was taking
place.” He described the event as a private function.
The spokesman was asked by The Times if he considered there had been a
discourtesy. “I am not able to comment on that,” he replied.
Such security surrounded the communion service for priests, monks and nuns
organised by the Clergy Consultation support group that the guestlist was
shredded by Lambeth Palace.
The location was changed after the original venue, the liberal St Peter’s
Church in Eaton Square, was “outed” on a hostile website.
Dr Williams’s covert methods are a gift to opponents threatening schism at
next year’s Lambeth Conference.
The Times emailed the previous Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, a more
conservative primate, to ask if such a thing would have happened in his day.
The 72-year-old replied promptly by Blackberry: “I am sure that Rowan was
acting for the very best of reasons viz. to show that he cares for all and
wishes to hold minorities in the church. What would I have done? I would not
have agreed to a private Eucharist; after all, the Eucharist, by definition,
is open to all Christians.
“I am surprised to hear that the Bishop of London’s permission was not sought.
Check your facts. If that is so then it is a failure of courtesy but it
could be a staff member’s fault! Happy Christmas”.
Lambeth Palace at first implied that it was acceptable to bypass the bishop
because the invitation had come from an independent group rather than a
parish.
Asked where canon law permits services without a bishop’s blessing, a
spokesman pointed to Canon C8, paragraph 2 (a). This allows ministers to
invite a “priest or deacon” to serve in their church for up to seven days
without telling the bishop.
However, a canon lawyer said there was no wording in that rule which mentioned
invitations to external bishops.
The Bishop of London now has the drastic option of reporting Dr Williams to
the Archbishop of York who could order a tribunal hearing with ultimate
powers of removal from office. Nobody is suggesting that the Bishop would
exercise these rights but those familiar with him say he would be
disappointed to have been kept in the dark.
The Rev Bertrand Olivier, vicar of All Hallows and a former convenor of Clergy
Consultation, said: “It’s nothing to do with the Bishop. Why would the
Bishop need to be told?”
The Rev Colin Coward, a gay priest at the gathering, said: “The consulation
has always met in confidentiality of venue and time to preserve the safety
of those who come.”
Traditionalists are dismayed that the Archbishop condoned practising gay
clergy by choosing to give communion, instead of just listening to them.
Canon Chris Sugden of Anglican Mainstream said: “Obviously they were wanting
to communicate that this is acceptable behaviour for those who are at the
table of the Lord.”
Archbishop of Canterbury
Incumbent Most Rev and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams, since 2002
Notorious for saying “It works quite well as legend”, as he dismissed
the Nativity story’s Three Kings, snow, star and cattle, the week before
Christmas
Most unfortunate predecessors Alphege (beaten to death by Danes using
ox bones, 1012); Thomas a Becket (assassinated, 1170); Simon Sudbury
(beheaded by peasants, 1381); Thomas Cranmer (burned at the stake, 1556)
Bishop of London
Incumbent Rt Rev and Rt Hon Richard Chartres, since 1995
Notorious for saying “Making selfish choices such as flying on holiday
or buying a large car are a symptom of sin”
Most unfortunate predecessor Nicholas Ridley (burned at the stake,
1555)
Holy writ:
Canon C18 Of diocesan bishops
Every bishop is, within his diocese, the principal minister, and to him
belongs the right . . . of ordering, controlling and authorising all
services in churches
Canon C8 paragraph 2 Of ministers exercising their ministry
A minister duly ordained priest or deacon . . . may officiate in any place
only after he has received authority to do so from the bishop of the diocese
. . . Save that: (a) The minister having the cure of souls of a church . . .
may allow a minister . . . to minister within their church or chapel for a
period of not more than seven days . . . without reference to the bishop
Source: Canons of the Church of England
Sue of Southampton is wrong. The Church of England has very clear beliefs: the Thirty -Nine Articles which every ordained priest, bishop and archbishop, including Rowan Williams, has sworn to uphold. She will find them at the end of the Book of Common Prayer!
David, London, England
The problem of the CoE is the lack of clear leadership. Currently, the Queen fulfils that role with strength and discipline, but who could ever see a Prince Charles as a Head of the CoE with deep faith and practical advice.
In terms of content and tradition, the CoE is nothing but a catholic organisation, in some areas more catholic than the vatican. Giving up the "protestant view" to the pope would reunite what in a theological sense would nearly perfectly fit together and would avoid lots of problems for th future.
Gerd, London,
The church of England is letting everyone in UK down. It has no beliefs and no standards. Rowan Williams should resign.
It is not interested in anyone.
Sue, Southampton, UK
This is simply an headline and story manufactured from nothing. You appear to be attempting to make the holding of a simple service equivalent to the actions of Fr. Lowder or Fr. Mackonochie in the mid C 19th
However note George Carey's comment:- “I am sure that Rowan was acting for the very best of reasons viz. to show that he cares for all and wishes to hold minorities in the church. What would I have done? I would not have agreed to a private Eucharist; after all, the Eucharist, by definition, is open to all Christians.
“I am surprised to hear that the Bishop of London’s permission was not sought. Check your facts. If that is so then it is a failure of courtesy but it could be a staff member’s fault! Happy Christmasâ€.
Quite typical of Carey's 'damming with faint praise" and only a minor change from Carey's actively hostile and disruptive behavior to traditional Anglicanism, to Rowan Willaims and to homosexuals. Note also the seemingly disingenuous quotation "the Eucharist, by definition, is open to all Christians." this may reflect Carey's particular evangelical theology but in no respect is true of Anglican canon law from the Canons of 1604 onward till today.
George Carey, an evangelical but activate sycophant, is in favor of divorce for Royals but against homosexual practices – a consistent application of the theology he espouses would suggest either forgiveness for both or damnation for both on simply ‘scriptural grounds’ he claims pre-eminent but is unfamiliar with the languages to discuss scripture except in translation – let alone a basic understanding of the concepts underlying textual criticism post 1945.
Carey’s personal malevolence to the cause of Anglican union has been further demonstrated by his extra diocesan meddling in the diocese of Virginia (his activity in the parish of Falls Church) and his active involvement in promoting schism in the wide r communion. The elevation of at best a semi literate to a See (his doctorate was in comparative liturgy, but he could not be bothered to learn the relevant languages) .and his further promotion to Canterbury has proved this description s “Mrs Thatcher’s Revenge†on the CoE. Unfortunately the opinions of a semi-literate meddler promoting an agenda and using the prestige of his for me office – one who helped create the current divisiveness on homosexuality that was a non issue in the 50’s, 60;’’s and 70’s -- are used to disrupt the leadership of Williams, one who is a gifted theologian but who may not be gifted as a leader or ecclesiastical politician.
Ego’s such as Carey’s are a distant remove from the, perhaps temporizing, Anglican divines of the C 17th. who did their best to shepherd the CoE from the storms of their times with notions of humility, holiness, prayerfulness, acceptance and reverence. In short one again you are being used by an active meddler, Carey, to promote a story and an historically un-Anglican agenda, that we enquire into faithful peoples conduct. Richard Chartres I assume is a big enough man not to be provoked by the nonsense you are peddling.
Michael Robinson, Virginia, USA
Williams is a hopeless hippy and totally unsuited to leading an organised religion, no wonder his priests preach to empty pews. People want certainty from religion (that’s the point) - moral absolutes, unshakeable truths and a sprinkling of fire and brimstone. What I increasingly get from my church is wishy-washy; anything goes liberalism, happy-clappy non-hymns written, presumably, by five-year olds, and an assortment of seemingly deranged zombies in anoraks wanting to cuddle me and my children whilst whispering meaningless platitudes at the end of each service. Peace be with you indeed!
Bill, Sheffield,
Is the Vicar of All Hallows known to be gay ? Is the Associate Vicar a lesbian living with her partner? Should this service come as any surprise at this church? Is it time to be honest and acknowledge publicly what may be known privately? As always the Church of England remains duplicitous trying to be all things to all people, including everyone and pleasing no-one, drawing a discreet veil because it has a problem. Perhaps the day may come when there are only gay clergy left and the facade will be dispensed with. Maybe that day is closer than we know or they will say.
H Vane, London, England
Ragbag of comments / questions:
- how can the Bishop of London not have known this was to happen in his diocese? As you report it was originally to take place at St Peter's Eaton Square (in London); the venue was changed, but surely Richard Chartres must have been aware of the publicity about the original plan for the service?
- RW has talked about if not preached on Romans 1 - see his Larkin Stuart Lecture, given in Toronto in 2007.
- Why so much talk about secret Eucharists? Clergy Consultation must have held them in the past. Also, how many of us have been to Eucharists while on retreats etc - which may not have been kept secret, but such Eucharists wouldn't have been 'open to all Christians' or even all local people either.
Blair, Oxted, Surrey,
Wouldn't it be nice if the members of an allegedly Christian church looked upon all people as their brothers and sisters and children of God our father. You can bandy about with biblical and theological interpretations all you wish, but the bottom line is that we are all one in the eyes of God and all are entitled to worship Him and love him as father. Grow up people and have a little compassion.
James R. Jensen, Oak Creek, WI, USA
The foundation of faith must be and is the Bible.The word of God.The church of England seems to have forgotten its own foundations due in part by its facination with the 'trappings' and external 'traditions' of man via rome.
The foundation of truth has to be built upon that Rock which is prescribed in the book of duetronomy as being God himself.
The creation of man in the image of God and of male and female at that is more than the basics of procreation which in itself is ENOUGH or should be to any who can still recognise the truth to show that homosexulaity in all its forms is wrong in the sight of God.
But there is another aspect to which Paul refered to in the matter of a man and a wife that it also refers to the church being a bride and in a spiritual sense Jesus being the groom.
Wether any readers believe it or not the archbishop of canterbury SHOULD! and by such actions as it is reported if true then it disqualifies him to be what eh claims himself and others to be.
Gerald Blezard, london, uk
Is this what the anglican church has come to - sneaky services for homosexuals??? In this day and age it shouldn't even be an issue and this is one of the many things wrong with religion in general. But to say you accept the religion and all it stands for and then to sneak around to operate outside of the rules and what is acceptable within that faith, is hypocritical at any level, but it is clear from this episode that the hypocrisy emanates from the top.
NF, UK,
If true, this is yet more evidence of the utter incompetence of Williams. A weak man in a position of great responsibility is a recipe for disaster - a weak man who realises that he lacks the necessary skills to properly fulfill his mandate is an example of hubris. Williams should resign now, while there is still a Church of England.
Ben, Ottawa, Canada
What does it matter. The C of E can do what it likes, it does not even bother what GOD wants, so with Cantur doing things on Londin's patch, does it really matter can canons say, because who will impose them anyway !!! After all the C of E was formed so that Henry VIII could get shot of Catherine of Aargon and have his "legal" way with another. With that in mind, who cares what the minister of that church get up to !!!!!
Patrick Walesby, Hereford, UK
The Canons of the Church of England are not "Holy Writ" - Thank God!
Henry Troup, Ottawa, Canada
Whatever.....just keep your hands off of our American Episcopal Church....keeping Bishop Robinson out of Anglican meetings is just another taxation without representation as far as I'm concerned. King Rowan is what's irrelevent, and history will prove it so.
Don Presley, New London, ct
this is like saying, the bible's wrong.
why can't they practise what they preach,
or has it been rewritten & I missed it?
suzyn, essex, uk
One can be quite sure that this service would not have taken place under the auspices of Catholic St John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester or for that matter the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, William Laud. They were put to death not for being misunderstood but for being understood all too well.
The Archbishop would do well not only to consult the Bishop of London, but also Scripture, tradition and the constant teaching of the Church on these issues. St Thomas More did in King Henry VIII's time and paid with his life. Again, he position was well understood.
Christopher Gillibrand, Brussels, Belgium in exile
All I can say is that I am not shocked...Great Britain was and still is Our Lady's Dowery, a divinely appointed hope chest that is part of the Roman Catholic Church's gift to the world. When she schismed and decided to slight the Blessed Mother in favor of the Queen, she was left without the grace to fulfill her destiny. It is so sad that Britain is blinded to her own fate.
Mike Rizzio, Robstown, USA/Texas
A private venue for the A of C was necessary to protect the gays from hostile conservatives who don’t often practice, “Love thy neighbour.â€
Jesus said nothing against gays, but said lots about adultery and divorce; yet the latter condition is now accepted, or at least tolerated, in the Church, while gays are harassed.
Loving, committed same-sex relationships can be found among Christians who also love God and the sacraments. Instead of arguing about whether the protocol was correct in holding a service in London for gays, it is time for the Church to accept and encourage gays (even a couple) and allow them to serve in the Church so they don’t have to live in fear and in a closet. They have much to contribute.
For those who are so intolerant of gays, I suggest getting acquainted with gay people or a gay couple, (you can even find them in the C of E), and be surprised at what loving, kind, generous, creative and caring people they are. Ignorance breeds contempt.
Zak, London
Zak, London, UK
Williams like all Ultra Liberals destroy that which they care about most.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Phill, The Wirral, England
It was helpful for you to quote the actual Canon Law, which says that "A minister duly ordained priest or deacon.....may officiate...."
So was the Canon lawyer you quoted suggesting that Dr Rowan Williams was never duly ordained as a priest or deacon?
MarkS, Leeds,
I assume then that the A of C believes that sex outside marriage is no longer wrong.
Martin, Belfast,
I think many Anglican clergy would be very surprised to be told by Rod Munch that they believe in the distinctively [Roman] Catholic doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Anthony, Cardiff,
Does anyone really care anymore? We're talking about people that believe in Adam and Eve and the immaculate conception here...!
Rod Munch, Northampton, UK
If indeed the A of C is conducting services in secret for the gay community, the question has to be asked, why, when communion is open to all who share the Christian faith.
I would be very interested to hear him preach on Romans 1.
A split in the Anglican Church seems almost inevitable.
R.J. Carter, Craven Arms, Shropshire
This is the Church of England............it is irrelevent and just does as it pleases as it s slowly sinks into the sunset
john, durham,