Since the breakaways seem to be much closer to the mother church in faith, could the Communion boot out the ECUSA? And, if that happened do you think the breakaways would unify somehow and become the new American member of the Communion? Is that an important or especially desirable thing?
The Church of England (CofE) and also the Anglican Church in Canada (ACinC) are both very liberal. As a traditional Anglican I have more in common with the Church in Nigeria and other parts of Africa than I have with ECUSA, The CofE or ACinC. The Africans, FarEast and South American bishops who are orthodox are thratening a split. ECUSA and Cnnada don't seem to care as they can then go forward with their agenda unopposed by any of those who would stand in their way. The person who has the problem is Rowan Williams. He is closer to the liberals in his beliefs on homosexuality, but he can't risk the Communion breaking up. He can only call meetings and try to keep all calm while he stands for nothing. At some point I think someone will run him over as he walks down the middle of the road...so to speak. I'm waiting and praying for all as I look to see who will be the driver of the errant vehicle. I don't think the Anglican Communion as it exists today will give ECUSA the boot, the CofE has deep divisions over the same issues withoin itself. If there is a split, I expect some of the Continuing Churches to align with the traditional churches such as Nigeria. I would love to have Bp.Akinola as the leader of my church. What a man of God and what a leader! Seriously, I don't know what the final fallout will be. I can only watch and pray.
My family have been Anglican for generations going back to England from before the American Revolution and this is very painful to me. It was difficult for me to leave ECUSA, but my children's spiritual welfare was more important than staying. I left 20 years ago and while I looked back for a while I have moved on. I view this as I would view a distant relative having problems. I'm not involved exactly, I'm sad for all concerned and I am watching to see what effect this could have on my own life. Time will tell.