Haven't we heard this tune before?  The Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada thinks the ACC needs to be re-imagined.

The Anglican Church of Canada must come out of the 19th century and be "reimagined" for the 21st, says Archbishop Andrew Hutchison.

So, what does that mean?  I dunno.  The news report from the London Free Press doesn’t say.  The story soon passes on to the same old unimaginative theme—blessing of homosexual “marriages”.

One of the topics on the agenda [at provincial synod] was a report commissioned by Hutchison on blessing same-sex unions. The issue has caused divisions in the church, particularly internationally.

If you don’t mind my saying so, Archbishop, it’s no bowl of cherries here at home, either.

"It's a trying time internationally because we're such a complex family. There's a huge range of cultures so issues as serious as sexuality are very trying. I find it difficult to know where that will end," Hutchison said.

For now, maintaining open dialogue is key, he said.

The debate over what the church should do about same-sex unions has also caused divisions within the Anglican Church of Canada.

"The question is, 'Can we make room for each other at the same table?' Up to now, the answer has been 'Yes,' " he said.

That’s because those who answer “No” are dragged from the table and cast out.  No unpleasantness allowed.  Just ask the priests deposed and parishes seized under the tender ministrations of New West Bishop Michael Ingham.  Ask Donald Harvey.

The church's general synod will meet in June to decide the issue of same-sex blessings in Canada.

Another jolly General Synod.  I can’t wait.

But let’s move on.  Maybe this is what Abp Hutchison means by “re-imagining”?

As for the archbishop himself, he's got both feet in the 21st century and has embraced technology as a way to reach out to youth. He has a webcast called Conversations with the Primate that can be viewed at www.anglican.ca. He also responds to e-mail.

"I'm even blogging on a youth network (generation.anglican.ca)," Hutchison said. "I didn't even know what a blog was until I started doing it."

Well, lots of Anglicans have blogs, and many of us are not interested in “re-imagining” the Church.  We rather think the Church’s original vision was just fine, thanks very much—the one given to us before some leaders started getting bored with re-re-re-imagining it.

Any chance of getting that through General Synod?

h/t: Binky.

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