Thursday, February 17, 2011

Double Speak and the Anglican Covenant


The Anglican Communion Covenant Study Guide has been produced. The Pluralist has responded here and here. There is a rather helpful Q&A, In which we are told:
The last bit of the Covenant text is the one that’s perhaps been the most controversial, because that’s where we spell out what happens if relationships fail or break down. It doesn’t set out, as I’ve already said, a procedure for punishments and sanctions. (Rowan Williams).
How can I put it politely??? Umm... I don't think so. In section 7 of the Q&A issued by the Anglican Communion it says that: 
"the Standing Committee may recommend to any Instrument of Communion ... the relational consequences of that action” 
that sounds to me like a punishment or sanction! Why the double speak?