Prior to the publication of the controversial report, many feared that it would even widen the current rift. However, instead of the expected stormy reactions, almost all the Anglican leaders have kept calm and reflected on the implication of the reports, therefore generating an apparent peaceful atmosphere. It partly fulfils the ideal of the Lambeth’s Report, which stressed on binding the Anglican Communion together as much as possible in one body.
The Windsor Report, however has been criticised by some for its lack of firm direction. The report seems to avoid tackling the issue of homosexuality head on and giving clear instructions, and uses carefully worded sentences in the way it criticises the homosexual-supporting bishops, which were designed not to inflame the situation.
It recommended that the American and Canadian Anglican bishops who authorised the blessings of same-sex unions “express regret” that they harmed the worldwide body. Even though many media have interpreted this as a demand for an “apology”, the Commission seem to have intended the recommendation to fall short of judgement towards forgiveness and reconciliation in Christ.
Chariman of the Lambeth Commission, Archbishop Robin Eames, clarified, “this Report is not a judgement. It is part of a process. It is part of a pilgrimage towards healing and reconciliation.”
In the statement from the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, he said, “I hope that everyone with the well being of our Communion at heart will now take time to study the report - and to pray and reflect upon its proposals which, as the Commission has made clear, offer neither easy nor simple solutions to real and demanding challenges.”
Dr Rowan Williams said there should be “no rush to judgment” but stressed that unity was the way forward. He will also commit himself to “pray, study and reflect on the report and to seek God’s guidance on the fundamental aim of strengthening the understanding and commitment to the common life of the Anglican Communion”.
Most Revd Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales and member of the Lambeth Commission also stated, “the report acknowledges the need for ongoing dialogue and debate and for provinces to be willing to listen to one another and of course to the world in which it is set.”
“The report needs to be pondered long and hard by the provinces of the Communion and its implications studied before reacting in any precipitate way,” he continued.
Most Revd Njongonkulu Ndungane, Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa welcomes the report. He agreed with the Lambeth Commission’s approach in trying to resolve the crisis. He recalled the teaching of the Bible about the importance of unity in the body of Christ and focus on the Great Commission.
He quoted I Cor 1:10, “I urge you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, not to have factions among yourselves, but all to be in agreement in what you profess, so that you may be perfectly united in your beliefs and judgments.”
And “The structures that we have, though not perfect, have been effective vehicles for the expression of the mission and ministry of the Church throughout the world. We must not lose sight of our calling to be ambassadors of reconciliation, heralds of God's compassion, ministers of his mercy in the realities of this broken world. We face issues of war and peace; the scourge of poverty; the blight of HIV/AIDS, of TB and malaria - the Anglican voice must continue to be raised, and with increasing unity and purpose.”
Some conservatives, however, criticised the Lambeth Commission for not discussing the detailed issues of homosexuality. Rev David Philips from the Church Society, said he was disappointed about the report as he was expecting something much more definite and clear.
He lamented, “It is toothless. It says what matters most of all is to stick together, we just need to stick together - unity is seen as more important than truth.”
The conservative evangelical network in England, Reform, in their initial reaction to the Windsor Report, also echoed that “The Commission had devised a number of ways for temporarily holding the peace, but at the end of the day it had been restricted to seeking structural solutions to doctrinal problems.”
Reform said that even though they are fully supportive about bringing reconciliation between Anglicans worldwide, the unity of the Church depends on the common and faithful conviction about the authority of God. Reform suggest that they will be contented with this initial step for now, but only so far that this report must be taken a step further in the future, with more conviction to tackle the root of the problem.
Reform prays that when the Primates meet in February, they will see the need to take firm and urgent actions further than what set in the Windsor Report.
At the same time, Reform is urging its members, and encouraging orthodox churches worldwide, to remain committed to their gospel work, and where their own diocesan bishops hold to unbiblical teachings and practices, to seek oversight and guidance from faithful bishops wherever they may be found in the Communion.