THE Primates of GAFCON have accused the Primate of Burundi, the
Most Revd Bernard Ntahoturi, of betraying African Christians by
attending a gathering led by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal
Church in the United States, Dr Katherine Jefferts
Schiori.
The "Transformation through Friendship" gathering in New York
last autumn concluded with a communiqué signed by five African
archbishops, including Archbishop Ntahoturi, which committed them
to exploring opportunities for partnership in areas including
religious freedom, theological education, and human
trafficking.
The GAFCON Primates, led by the Primates of Kenya and Nigeria,
said that the communiqué is a "manipulation". Their letter reads:
"It is in fact, not principally about 'Friendship' but is . . . an
attempt to further advance the unbiblical and false teaching of The
Episcopal Church.
"Second, we reject the characterisation that the communiqué
represents 'African Primates and Bishops'. Given that there is
absolutely no acknowledgement that there are other African Primates
and Bishops who do not agree, the document, of which you were a
collaborator and signatory, presents itself falsely. It does not
represent the faith of the overwhelming majority of African
Christians."
Archbishop Ntahoturi's presence at the meeting validated the
"unrepentant, unbiblical teaching and practice" of the Episcopal
Church. But the Primates say they believe that he has been misled:
"Dear Brother, we know that this agenda does not represent the
faith of your Province, Diocese, or even your own heart. We call
you to repentance and restoration to join with us in fellowship
that is founded on Christ's truth and is faithful to His Word."
The Primates call on the Archbishop, who is chairman of the
Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA), to repent of his
actions or resign from this post. Until this happens, the Primates
say that they will not take part in CAPA gatherings.
The letter was sent to the Archbishop before Christmas, but the
Primates say that they have had no response to it, and are
therefore making it public.