An interesting article in the latest London Spectator from Peter Hitchins, high Tory of the old type and brother of the redoubtable Christopher Hitchens. He makes an argument against disestablishment of the Anglican Church, suggesting that England unchained from its traditional religio-political ground would drift even further into an agnostic no-man's-land and democratic license. Is that possible? I am not really sure disestablishment has not already occured in deed if not in name, probably as far back as Catholic Emancipation in the nineteenth century.

I wonder if all this "crisis in Anglicanism/Episcopalianism" talk will ignite something within that faith akin to the old Oxford Movement, taking some into a more orthodox, vital Anglicanism and others straight over to Rome. Where are the new Newmans? Certainly the church is shakier now than ever before.

Should be a fun fall to watch the Robinson fallout. The Episcopal traditionalists, joined by their global Anglican supporters, will meet in Plano, Texas next month to discuss their options. Then in October, the Anglican prelates will meet up in London to discuss the crisis with Archbishop Williams -- all this in advance of Robinson's November consecration. For all their victories, you must think the left wing Episcopals are concerned. The American branch of global Anglicanism is so small (under 3% all Anglicans) and the Western liberals and modernizers are dwarfed by the African, South American, and Asian conservatives.