Anglican communion split would be a 'failure', says Justin Welby

The Archbishop of Canterbury has said that a split in the Anglican Church over the issue of same-sex ‘marriage’ would be a “failure”.

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The Archbishop of Canterbury has said that a split in the Anglican Church over the issue of same-sex ‘marriage’ would be a "failure".

Speaking before the Anglican primates' gathering, Justin Welby said that he wanted "reconciliation", but that would mean "finding ways to disagree well".

Polarised stances on same-sex 'marriage'

Same-sex 'marriage' and homosexuality are among the issues under discussion at the gathering this week, which is being attended by 38 primates from around the world.

Views on Christian sexual ethics have polarised the Anglican Communion, leading to fears that some members will walk out of the meeting.

Many members within the Communion reject the idea that homosexuality can be accepted on biblical grounds and have expressed a a desire for liberals to repent of allowing openly homosexual priests and bishops to officiate. Members from African nations in particular, which adhere to the God-given definition of marriage, have spoken out against the compromising of the Bible.

Provocatively, 100 senior Anglican leaders wrote an open letter to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, published in the Sunday Times, saying the Church should repent of ‘discriminating’ against Christians who identify as homosexual.

Schism would be a 'failure'

Commenting on the possibility of a split within the Communion, Archbishop Welby said it would be a failure on the Church’s part.

"A schism would not be a disaster… God is bigger than our failures, but it would be a failure," Justin Welby said on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

"It would not be good if the Church is unable to set an example to the world of showing how we can love one another and disagree profoundly, because we are brought together by Jesus Christ, not by our own choice.

"Certainly I want reconciliation, but reconciliation doesn't always mean agreement - in fact, it very seldom does. It means finding ways to disagree well and that's what we've got to do this week."

Pray for truth and conviction

Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, comments:

"Marriage is a crucial issue, not a minor point on which bishops can differ and still continue to operate as a unified body. Marriage is foundational to gospel truth, illustrative of the relationship between Christ and His Church. To adulterate this is to dishonour God.

"Reconciliation is only meaningful if it is rooted in gospel truth. All other attempts at so-called unity are attempts to airbrush parts of Scripture that modern society supposedly finds unacceptable. It is fear of man and not fear of God.

“We must continue to pray for the gathering this week, for the truth to be spoken and for a mighty conviction for those who seek to compromise it."