This trial ballon was floated by Archbishop Williams a long time ago. Originally, the plan was to have a formal Anglican Communion with a Covenant (thus providing doctrinal uniformity), and then to have “associated partners” that don’t agree to the Covenant but have a lot of Anglican heritage. These “partners” would be free to do largely as they wish because they won’t be bound by the Covenant. ECUSA would be a “partner”. Other groups such as the Methodists could also be partners as well. The conservatives were receptive to this but the liberals said heck no. The idea has since lain dormant.
Now it appears to be coming back. Instead of establishing a Covenant and then have those who don’t like it become “associate partners”, Williams looks like he’s trying to have the bonds on everyone loosened with those desiring a Covenant coming back together on their own volition. That appears to be what’s happening with the GAFCON declaration being the Covenant.
Will the Church of England sign up, or relegate itself to an “associate partner” in the Anglican Communion?
Because libs always fight tooth and nail to become the definition of the mainstream.