The Panel of Reference, established by Archbishop Rowan Williams in response to the request of the Primates and Moderators of the Provinces of the Anglican Communion in their Communiqué issued from Dromantine, Northern Ireland, in February 2005, met in London from Tuesday, 12th - Thursday, 14th July 2005. Members have been united in their prayers for, and send messages of goodwill to, all who suffer in any way as a result of the recent terrorist outrages in London. The Panel also shared in daily prayers and the celebration of the Eucharist.
This first plenary meeting was devoted to the preparation of the work of the Panel, and of the rules of procedure which the Panel decided to adopt. The result of its discussions and the mandate of the Archbishop of Canterbury by which the Panel was established are set out in the documents below.
The Panel gave special attention to those schemes of extended, shared or delegated episcopal ministry which have been established by various Provinces of the Communion. Members recognised in these schemes a real attempt by the Provinces involved to meet the principled concerns of those who find themselves in serious theological dispute with their bishops or Provinces over recent developments concerning questions of Christian doctrine and discipline. The Panel noted that concerns have been expressed about the adequacy of the alternative pastoral oversight provided by the schemes. The Panel is keeping the schemes under review and will test their viability against the cases referred to it by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Panel was grateful for the hospitality and support afforded by the staff of the Anglican Communion Office in London and of Lambeth Palace, where the meetings took place, and are particularly grateful to the Archbishop of Canterbury for taking the time out of a busy schedule to meet with the members of the Panel and share with them some of his hopes for their work.
Commenting on the two days of meetings, the Chair of the Panel, Archbishop Peter Carnley said: 'The creation of the Panel of Reference is a new development within Anglicanism. It is our hope and prayer that we can make a significant contribution to the Churchs mission through resolving tensions between Anglicans. I am grateful for the professional and expert way in which the members of the Panel have focussed upon the tasks with which we have been charged by the Anglican Communion. Amongst all our members I discerned a deep desire to serve the witness of the Anglican Communion to the new life found in Christ by working to bring reconciliation and understanding in situations of deep division where there is disagreement about the nature of the Gospel which we proclaim.'
The Panel begins its work immediately. It awaits referral by the Archbishop of Canterbury of situations falling within the mandate which he has given it.
For further information, please contact:
Canon Gregory K Cameron OR Dr Brian Hanson
Secretaries to the Panel
The Anglican Communion Office
Saint Andrew's House
16 Tavistock Crescent
London W11 1AP
020 7313 3900
brian.hanson@aco.org
In cases where Anglican congregations wish to invoke the procedures of the Panel, approach should be made to:
Mr Christopher Smith
Chief of Staff
Lambeth Palace
SE1 7JU
020 7898 1200
elizabeth.doone@c-of-e.org.uk
Notes to Editors
Schemes for extended, delegated or shared episcopal ministry considered by the Panel include those of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Church of England, the Scottish Episcopal Church, and the Episcopal Church (USA).
Further information may be found here:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/commission/reference/index.cfm