Viewed an interesting program on BBC the other night; "Hard Copy" is the name of the program. It's an interview tackling issues at the 'core'. This interview was with an Anglican Priest who had the oversight of the South American Church, he was also a leading 'conservative' within the Anglican communion. The interviewer was wanting his angle on the current 'divorce' about to happen within the Anglican community mainly over two issues: the ordination of 'gay' clergy and the appointment of women Bishops.
Now I don't intend to comment on these two important issues but only on the way this bishop handled the questions; instead of getting caught up with running people down and negative comments he stuck to the fundamental issue for him and his group; the authority of the Bible, the divinity of Christ and the historic teachings of the church. He stressed that there are 'essentials' that cannot be negotiated, but other issues although important do not alter our relationship with God or our salvation. It was encouraging to hear a church leader clearly stating these are the 'non-negotiables'