December 2003

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Tired of reading about gay Anglican clergy? Get ready for a still-emerging controversy: Anglican Freemasons. Days before being confirmed as Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams said he had "real misgivings about the compatibility of Masonry and Christian profession," and said he wouldn't appoint any Freemasons to senior posts. After an outcry, he apologized for causing "distress."

But the Sydney Anglican Synod isn't backing down, and in October called on its members to choose between lodge and church, and told congregations not to let Masons use their facilities. Freemasonry, the synod said, "teaches and upholds a system of false religious and spiritual beliefs."

Christianity Today's earlier coverage of the Anglican Communion's strife includes:

The Gay Bishop's Global Fallout | How each of the 39 provinces in the Anglican Communion have responded to Sunday's consecration. (Nov. 07, 2003)

Translating the Anglican Primates | Interpretations vary widely on what last week's statement means, how forceful it was, and what's next. (Oct. 21, 2003)

Anglican Leaders Criticize Episcopal Church, Canada's New Westminster Diocese on Homosexual Actions | Future of the Anglican unity "in jeopardy," they say, but don't break communion—yet. (Oct. 16, 2003)

Anglicanism's Communion of Saints | Under the somber portraits of their predecessors, Anglican archbishops will discuss the fractious issues of the church and homosexuality. (Oct. 15, 2003)

Florida Bishop Defies Episcopal Church Head | The consecration of a new bishop becomes the latest battleground between Frank Griswold and the American Anglican Council. (Oct. 10, 2003)

Reimagining Anglican Bonds of Affection | Orthodox American leaders begin describing what realignment ...