Forward in Faith International has posted this disclaimer concerning the extent to which Bishop Ackerman's retirement is a matter of leaving the field. "The Right Reverend Keith Ackerman SSC wishes to make it clear that he will be remaining in office as President of Forward in Faith North America. Indeed, it is his intention during his retirement to devote himself more fully than has been possible hitherto to this ministry."
Bishop Ackerman has in the past displayed a distinct lack of theological depth or ecclesiastical savvy. But it appears that he has applied himself to the matter of how to be active in retirement.
I commented HERE on one of his less than adequate statements in which he said, "We further must call into question the use of the particular Canon pertaining to the abandonment of the Communion inasmuch as the American Province is not a Communion. That particular designation is reserved for the worldwide expression of Anglicanism." We can hope that during his sabbatical he has thought a bit more about this, and perhaps other canons of The Episcopal Church. He seems set on a path that will lead to further challenges related to the canons.
Forward in Faith is part of the Common Cause Partnership, the heir apparent (if you believe GAFCON) of TEC and ACoC. The CCP will become transmogrified into The New Improved Anglican Province in North American (NIAPNA) if the scheme goes forward. FIFNA is part of this circle of friends and it appears that Bishop Ackerman may have work to do. Seems like Bishop Ackerman is moving on, not slowing down. If so the phrase "abandonment of the communion of this Church" is likely to arise again.
I wish that we had a canonical alternative to the "abandonment of the communion of this Church" canon. Seems like a canon that was originally intended to formally recognize the departure of a bishop or priest to another denomination has morphed into a way of purging the church of troublesome clergy.
ReplyDeleteI would much prefer having the ability to simply say "Yes, you are still a bishop/priest/deacon, but you are no longer an Episcopal bishop/priest/deacon and we wish you well in whatever ministry God calls you to." To say that, for instance, Bishops Duncan and Schofield are no longer bishops because they've jumped provinces and attempted to take others with them seems a little extreme.
But perhaps that is just me.
Tom...I agree, abandonment is what we have, something better ought to exist for the sorts of things we are dealing with here. So it's not just you.
ReplyDeleteI think we almost need a 'recognition of separation' canon under which we can recognize that Rev X has separated and withdraw TEC status without commenting on their status in other places.
ReplyDeleteI suppose a new way to handle these cases is too much to hope for from GC'09. ;;sigh;;
FWIW
jimB
"Tom...I agree, abandonment is what we have, something better ought to exist for the sorts of things we are dealing with here. So it's not just you."
ReplyDeleteHmmm, we have the much more Christian thing to do which is simply to ask for, if necessary, and then to accept their resignations. Deposing retired octogenarian bishops is poor PR. And the canonically flawed deposition of Bp Duncan, er, Moderator helped sway the realignment vote wonderfully.