Abp.of Canterbury to Meet with Anglican Leaders; Seeks to Cement Global Fellowship Despite Splits

The Archbishop of Canterbury has summoned Anglican leaders from throughout the world for a vital meeting early next year, as he struggles to keep the global fellowship together despite severe internal splits, the Newsmax website reports today (September 16, 2015).

Justin Welby announced on his website today that he had summoned all 37 Primates to a special meeting to be held in Canterbury from January 11 to January 16, 2016. The Anglican Communion is a global fellowship with more than 80 million members that trace their roots to the Church of England. In the United States, the Anglican Church is called the Episcopal Church.

Welby said the meeting would deal with a number of issues, including a review of the organizational  structure of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Some of the issues that have divided the Anglican Church include its acceptance of women pastors and bishops, as well as gay and lesbian clergy.

"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," Welby said.