But there is much more to this report than sexuality. It brings together a comprehensive picture of where the Anglican Communion is now on issues of church, state, peace, interfaith relations, justice, faith and unity, and myriad other issues, and where it wants to go in the future. In addition to the full report, the final section and other reports have been published separately for convenient study. Perhaps of equal importance to its recording of formal conference decisions is the fact that the report also shows what the conference would not say on some issues. This is not just another souvenir to gather dust on episcopal bookshelves it is a study resource that will set the tone and agenda for dialogue and decision making across the Anglican Communion for the next decade or longer.
Decisions show only the tip of the iceberg.
That story is neither pretty nor edifying. On opposing sides can be found an ugly American and a political boss handing out money, both stereotypes recognizable in the book. The surface issue was homosexuality, but it really was about interpretation of Scripture coupled with cultural and political muscle-flexing by bishops from the developing world who for the first time formed the majority at Lambeth. It would be simplistic to suggest, as some have, that the real problem was semi-educated biblical fundamentalism among the younger churches. One English bishop, who had taught in an African theological college, told me it was a mistake to underestimate the level of theological sophistication in Africa and Asia.