Proposal to loosen ties in Anglican Communion draws mixed response

A proposal to loosen the ties of the 80-million-member Anglican Communion, currently the world’s third-largest Chris­tian body, drew a variety of reactions.

Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canter­bury, floated a proposal in mid-September to invite all 38 national-church heads of the Anglican Communion to explore how Anglicans can stay together while going their separate ways when it comes to inclusion of LGBT people and the ordination of women.

“The difference between our societies and cultures, as well as the speed of cultural change in much of the global north, tempts us to divide as Chris­tians,” Welby said in a statement. “A 21st-century Anglican family must have space for deep disagreement, and even mutual criticism, so long as we are faithful to the revelation of Jesus Christ, together.”