Reflections On Lambeth (Press, 26 March 1983)

"Canterbury Crossroads," authored by Anglican clergyman John H. Evans, and published by New Horizon in 1982, presents a detailed account of the 1978 Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops, drawing from Evans's unique experience at the event in a journalistic capacity. The book is recognised for its clarity and thorough documentation, building upon Evans's previous works including a biography of Bishop Selwyn and a history of the Dunedin diocese. The book primarily focuses on the resolutions passed at the 1978 conference, though some of these sections are noted to be overly dense. The author makes clear that the interpretations provided are his own, revealing a significant personal agenda. He expresses a preference for fostering relationships with Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox churches over Protestants and holds strong views against the ordination of women and the potential of a female bishop. Additionally, he critiques what he perceives as the politicisation of Christianity and categorises homosexuality as a "sickness." Despite his strong opinions, Evans manages to deliver a generally balanced account of the conference. He believes that it marked a pivotal "crossroads" for Anglicanism, arguing that it revealed blurred lines of authority within the church and highlighted the necessity for a reaffirmation of episcopal authority through collaborative council and consultation among bishops. However, he does not provide extensive analysis on how this view interacts with the emerging "constitutional episcopacy" in New Zealand and other contexts, which presents a noticeable gap in the book aimed at Anglicans, particularly in New Zealand. While the narrative succeeds in succinctly describing the conference, it struggles with a limited focus. For example, the discussion on the ordination of women largely confines itself to ecclesiastical perspectives, omitting broader societal changes, women's aspirations, and the feminist movement. When addressing the issue of authority—central to Evans's argument—the text remains ensnared in a restrictive ecclesiastical environment, failing to consider the impact of the democratisation trends affecting various institutions, including churches. Notably, the author's discomfort with the prospect of a woman bishop arises from concerns of potential disunity, yet he overlooks historical examples of male bishops who have also been sources of division. Overall, while "Canterbury Crossroads" raises pertinent issues for Anglicans, it tends to simplify complex matters and narrows the available solutions by exploring them within an ecclesiastical vacuum. The result is an account that, while commendably succinct, feels truncated and lacking in a broader contextual understanding.

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