Last week Glenn wrote about Mass in York Minster, surely a blatant denial of a fundamental plank of the Reformation. The Archbishop of York and the Minster authorities should hang their collective heads in shame.

But another part of the Church of England deserves praise.  The recent session of the General Synod, by a majority of 283 to 8, passed a motion affirming the uniqueness of Christ. Before we get too carried away with this, the motion calls for the House of Bishops to report to the Synod 'on their understanding of the uniqueness of Christ in Britain's multi-faith society, and offer examples and commendations of good practice in sharing the gospel of salvation through Christ alone with people of other faiths and of none'. There can be 'many a slip between cup and lip' so we wait in anticipation.

Contrast this, with the 2003 General Convention of the Episcopal Church. There the Bishop of Quincy, Keith Ackerman asked the House of Bishops to affirm their belief that 'The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to contain all things necessary for Salvation'. This statement is found in the Articles of Religion, the Episcopal Church’s constitution, and in the Ordination Services of the American Prayer Book.

Eighty-four bishops voted against the motion so it was lost. 

The Australian General Synod of October 2007 was no better. A majority refused to consider a motion moved by Dr Barry Newman to thank God for his love in sending the Lord Jesus Christ to die in our place for our redemption. Absolutely shameful!

A direct result was that many Sydney representatives did not participate in the closing Communion service.

The next General Synod will be in Melbourne in September 2010. Is it worth the bother to raise the subject again?