AMiA in Rebellion, Rwanda Charges

From the Church of England Newspaper:

The Anglican Mission in America (AMiA) has come under sharp criticism from the Church of Rwanda over its plans to pull away from the oversight of the African church.

On 31 Oct 2011 Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje directed AMiA Bishop Charles “Chuck” Murphy to suspend work on a proposal that would change its oversight from a “personal prelature” under the Rwandan primate to a missionary society overseen by an independent “college of consultors”.

…Questions have also been raised over the transparency of the AMiA’s finances and leadership structure.  Criticisms have also been raised over new canons prepared by a former Roman Catholic clergyman now serving in the AMiA that have incorporated a Roman Catholic ecclesiology and sacramental theology.

…In an open letter to Bishop Murphy, Bishop John Rucyhana deplored the plan which would “take AMiA from its original intent.”  He believed the AMiA was being ungrateful, as “this move may hurt the relationship” between the AMiA and Rwanda, “which stood alone in the whole world with AMiA in the most difficult times.”

…On 31 Oct 2011, Archbishop Rwaje wrote to Bishop Murphy “requesting that all procedures toward the formation of the new missionary society be halted until we go through the Jerusalem moment (are of common mind).”

The AMiA also needed to address Rwanda’s concerns over the “painful visit” at the June House of Bishops meeting, the charge of “reverse colonialism” leveled by Bishop Murphy, the “assumption that the new Archbishop does not make decisions,” and to reflect on “the spirit of rebellion and lawlessness.”

Read the rest.