The reports that we re getting from the local dialogues are encouraging. People, for the most part, are entering into the discussions constructively, responsively and openly. Bishop Ingham wrote to Mr. Egerton on March 8, noting that in parish twinning dialogues that are having difficulty, the diocese is trying to support the local facilitation process more effectively. There are no indications, other than in a few parishes, that people are feeling manipulated or coerced. But Mr. Egerton has a different view.
Members are concerned it s creating real divisions that are going to be very difficult to heal.
And we re frankly skeptical about any healing process coming out of all of this. Mr. Egerton sees no middle ground possible in the discussions of homosexuality. We think the best way to bring people together is to come on the terms spelled out by the House of Bishops, by Lambeth, indeed reaffirming traditional teachings that have kept the church together on this for many, many years. The revisionists, in challenging the traditional teaching and practice in this area are the ones who are dividing this church so deeply. Mr. Short said the biggest issue in the Anglican Church of Canada involves a crisis in membership and a loss of confidence in the leadership.