From Mr Don Archer
Sir, - You report that the GAFCON Primates have censured the
Primate of Burundi for "betraying African Christians" (News, 30
January). His offence was to attend a "Transformation through
Friendship" gathering led by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal
Church in the United States; and to commit himself to exploring
opportunities for partnership in areas including religious freedom,
theological education, and human trafficking. Heinous sins,
indeed!
One is immediately reminded of the accusation of the Pharisees
that Jesus was associating with "publicans and sinners", and his
response. If you disapprove of the convictions and behaviour of
others, you can either dissociate yourself from them so that your
own purity remains unsullied; or you can break bread with them,
engage in dialogue, and demonstrate God's compassion for all his
creatures.
GAFCON prides itself on its "Bible-based Christianity". Perhaps
it should reflect on which of these two the Gospels report Jesus as
doing.
DON ARCHER
5 Church Road, Trull
Taunton
Somerset TA3 7EW