During the past decade, the Most Rev. Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, has emerged as one of the most knowledgeable authorities on the Anglican Communion. As convener of some important international committees during that time, he has proved to be well informed on a variety of issues. Therefore it was surprising to read the archbishop’s remarks about the Episcopal Church when he delivered two lectures recently at Virginia Theological Seminary [TLC, Oct. 23]. Archbishop Eames spoke to Virginia’s Alumni Convocation about the current status of the Anglican Communion and the implications of being in communion.

Noted as a mediator who recently chaired the Lambeth Commission on Communion, the Irish primate spoke boldly about the Episcopal Church’s response to the Windsor Report. Addressing the Windsor Report’s request that the American Church “be invited to express its regret that the proper constraints of the bonds of affection were breached” in the events surrounding the election and consecration of the Bishop Coadjutor of New Hampshire, he said, “In my opinion the decisions of the House of Bishops in the Episcopal Church (USA) met that request ... It is arguable the reaction exceeded what was asked for by the Windsor Report.”

As readers may recall, the American House of Bishops eventually did express regret, but it did not convey regret for what took place in New Hampshire. Instead the bishops regretted “the pain that others have experienced” over the actions of the 2003 General Convention. The bishops even went so far as to apologize, but not for the New Hampshire consecration. They apologized for not consulting adequately with “our Anglican partners” before taking action.

For two days Archbishop Eames spoke eloquently of the status of the Windsor Report and hopefully about the state of the Anglican Communion. He was able to impress upon listeners that there is a need for Anglicans to understand what relationships mean. Unfortunately, he didn’t seem so perceptive in his depiction of the leaders of the Episcopal Church.

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