An Advent Message from the Archbishop of Canterbury

The pregnancy of Mary of Nazareth raises very serious questions not just for her, her child, and their place in the Anglican Communion, but for the Communion as a whole.

The process of selection however is only part complete. The conception by the Holy Spirit has to be confirmed, or could be rejected, by her husband and the elders of her village. That decision will have very important implications.

The bishops of the Communion have collectively acknowledged that a period of gracious restraint in respect of actions which are contrary to the mind of the Communion is necessary if our bonds of mutual affection are to hold.