The Episcopal Church and the proposed Anglican Church of North America both received support, as well as pointed but fair questions about their conduct and objectives. For instance, The Episcopal Church was praised for its efforts to date to exercise “gracious restraint” in not consecrating any additional openly gay bishops. The proponents of the proposed new parallel province in North America were reassured that they were Anglican, and that they were deserving of some measure of protection from legal attacks, at least in the short term.


The WCG report found The Episcopal Church’s response to moratoria on same-sex blessings incomplete. There was an attempt to hold one’s words accountable to one’s deeds and the idea that some dioceses could continue to perform blessings without censure from the provincial leadership was rejected. The report also contains a pointed warning of the likely consequences to the fragile state of the Communion if the General Convention were to change The Episcopal Church’s current commitment to “gracious restraint.”


The Episcopal Church was not alone in facing difficult questions. The proposal by the Anglican Church of North America for a new parallel jurisdiction based on theological ideology was likewise viewed with skepticism. The group was also cautioned against seeking official recognition outside the proper existing channels.


Those who were expecting a comprehensive plan to address the loss of trust that has occurred in recent years may be disappointed with the non-binding arbitration mentioned in the primates’ communiqué and discussed in greater detail in the WCG report. On the other hand, these documents signal a renewed determination to keep working until something is devised which can begin to restore trust. Most Anglicans should be encouraged by progress toward that goal.