The Anglican Communion Panel of Reference has submitted its report to the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, Archbishop Andrew Hutchison this week.

|PIC1|Archbishop Hutchison has commented that the report's contribution is important to the process of reconciliation in Canada.

The Canadian leader spoke about the report, which was released early yesterday: "I want to thank the panel for the careful and professional manner in which they carried out their work.

"This is the first report the panel has issued and their diligence in seeking the truth and their concern that all voices be heard is an important model for the Communion. I am also very appreciative of the panel's clarity over matters of jurisdiction and oversight and I am pleased that they have supported the understanding of those concepts that is shared throughout the communion."

The Anglican Panel of Reference is made up of 13 lay and clerical Anglican leaders from the Communion.

The panel was created by the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, in response to concerns expressed by the Primates of the worldwide Church regarding the adequacy of proposals for alternate Episcopal oversight where parishes and bishops are in disagreement.

At present, 4 dissenting parishes in the Diocese of New Westminster have requested that the Archbishop of Canterbury refer their concerns to the Panel.

The need for alternative Episcopal ministry in the four parishes as a temporary measure only, was affirmed in the report, "until the presenting issue is resolved and theologically sustainable reconciliation is achieved".

The report also defends the suitability of the Shared Episcopal Ministry process developed by the Canadian House of Bishops in 2004.

The panel has now recommended some additional safeguards to take into account the special circumstance of this case, inviting the diocese and newly formed missions associated with the dissenting parishes to explore how a formal relationship might be established, explains a release from the Anglican Church of Canada.

Archbishop Hutchison stated that these safeguards were within the spirit of the original document.

The Primate said, "I believe this report represents an important milestone in the ongoing dialogue in Canada. I ask that all the parties involved renew their efforts at reconciliation as the report envisages and seek the healing of divisions and the unity that our Lord so sincerely desires for the Church."

The report can be viewed in full by clicking here: Panel of Reference Report (pdf)