Anglican divisions …

Christian Century, Oct 9, 2002 by Diane Knippers

THE ITEM "Labels" in "Century marks" criticized the Institute on Religion and Democracy and me for being quick to apply "labels" in regard to Archbishop Rowan Williams and to judge him as outside the Anglican "mainstream" (July 31-Aug. 13).

IRD was criticized for not being "delighted with the appointment of a rigorous thinker committed to the theological heritage of the church." In fact, we are very pleased with Archbishop Williams's commitment to orthodox Christian teaching on the resurrection of Christ and the virgin birth, as well as his solid pro-life stand.

But his "rigorous" thinking does not make him immune from criticism. His embrace of some of the traditional teachings of the church has not prevented him from making what I, and most other Anglicans around the world, consider a profound theological error regarding homosexuality.

Williams himself acknowledged that his position on homosexuality is out of the mainstream. To deny that this is a serious concern with his selection as archbishop of Canterbury is to ignore the deep divisions within the Anglican Communion over that issue.

"Scoring points" is not our goal--defending the truth of the gospel is. Nowhere has the IRD attempted to put a "label" on Rowan Williams. Our coverage of his selection has addressed points on which we agree and disagree. Is it possible the CENTURY was a little quick to apply its own label to IRD?

Diane Knippers
Institute on Religion and Democracy,
Washington, D C.