Chicago, Ill., Dec 5, 2008 / 22:16 pm
U.S. conservative Anglican leaders on Wednesday presented the constitution and laws for a new organization intended to replace the Episcopal Church as the American branch of the Anglican Communion.
The move by the Common Cause Partnership continues the controversy in the Episcopal Church regarding issues such as the uniqueness of Christ in salvation, the authority of Scripture and sexual ethics. The ordination of openly homosexual V. Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire has also played a significant role in the debate.
The Common Cause Partnership’s new constitution was presented at an evangelical church in Wheaton, Illinois. It declares the Bible to be the "final authority and unchangeable standard." It makes no ruling regarding the ordination of women to the Episcopal priesthood.
"The public release of our draft constitution is an important concrete step toward the goal of a biblical, missionary and united Anglican Church in North America," said Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh, moderator of Common Cause Partnership.