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TTTThe he he he AAAAnglican nglican FFFFree ree CCCCommunion ommunion nglican nglican ree ree ommunion ommunion ““““TTTThe he he he EEEEpiscopal piscopal FFFFree ree CCCChurch” hurch” piscopal piscopal ree ree hurch” hurch” TTTThe he he he FFFFree ree ree ree PPPProtestant rotestant rotestant rotestant EEEEpiscopal piscopal piscopal piscopal CCCChurch hurch hurch hurch Primus: New Year Message Primus: New Year MessagePrimus: New Year MessagePrimus: New Year Message
Southampton, Hampshire, England, UK - December 28, 2015
The usual round of events transport us from the old year into the new, as we consider what might have been in contemplation of what might be. For the Communion 2015 was a year of change: a mixture of joy and disappointment. Some familiar faces left us after tensions and struggles, and unknown individuals offered great assistance to continue to present our face to the world. The reality is that loss and change are part of being human. The Anglican Free Communion has a message of inclusivity to a world that so often refuses to lose its chains of bigotry and self-righteousness. At the core of many religious practices there is sufficient ideology to drive people into secularism. This is apparent in the issues on femininity and sexual orientation. For many church's the female and gay agenda will not go away. As a Communion we are fully committed to encouraging a inclusive ministry, and to maintain a position of opposing homophobia should it arise in our midst. In fact anything that belittles the full dignity of being a human person, of whatever race, colour, gender, sexual orientation or social standing is an anathema to our theology. There is no compromise on any of this. Christ has made us free and that freedom is both mirrored and reflected in our ministry. And it is a useless exercise to create ecumenical relationships with organisations that take a different stand on these matters. We are called to build a better world and one in which the prejudices of the past can be challenged. That hate can be replaced by love, and war by negotiation. That a common recognition of each person's right to express their own religious beliefs in harmony with others, and in the finding of the many ways to spiritual fulfilment. To all who work hard to maintain the work of The Episcopal Free Church, in all the expressions of faith, pastoral care and liturgy thanks are offered and the hand of friendship in the Peace which passes all understanding.
With love to all in the Communion - and to the world of 2016.
+Richard Archbishop Primus