Charlie+,

I hope you are right in your predictions.  But we mustn't pin our hopes on
the "two-thirds world" Anglicanism too much.

First of all, it really wouldn't be terribly fair of us.  Most African
countries that have a substantial Anglican presence have enough internal
problems to deal with without worrying too much about what is happening in
America.

Secondly, no Province in the Anglican Communion is going to risk its
relationship with the Church of England.  The See of Canterbury is an
extremely important symbol to most African Anglicans.  Indeed, I wonder how
many of the west Africans in our parishes really know that are attending
parishes outside of the Anglican Communion that are not officially in
communion with their parishes back home?

Third, as I said to Mike+, Nigeria and a few other African countries don't
ordain women; South Africa, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, the Sudan, and others do.
We mustn't succumb to the thought that because they are Africans theyare
traditionalist.

Finally, being African doesn't give one an automatic resistance to
western-style liberalism.  I have met more than a few Africans who were
quite liberal in their attitudes.

Having said all that, we certainly should reach out to the African
populations around us.  The Episcopal Church is typically not doing a very
good job of that.

Mark+