Latest News

Ordination to the Priesthood

We are pleased to announce and request your prayers for the ordination of The Rev. Isaac Rehberg to the Priesthood on Sunday, April 7, 2013, at Christ Our King, New Braunfels.

Rowan Williams Gives Final Address

as Archbishop of Canterbury

Rowan Williams attended his last service as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral on Sunday, December 30, 2012.  More than 700 people bade farewell to the 62-year-old Williams, who will take up the posts of Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Christian Aid.  His decade in office was characterized by turbulence as he sought to maintain unity within the Anglican Communion in the midst of dissension over homosexuality and gay marriage, the invasion of Iraq, issues of Sharia law and the government economic policy, and, in the final days, the defeat of legislation to introduce the first femal bishops in the Church of England.  His Christmas sermon for 2012 is available here, and his final New Year's message is available here.

8th Archbishop of Church of Uganda Enthroned

Archbishop Eliud Wabukala greets Archbishop Stanley Ntagali

Photo credit: Church of Uganda

On Sunday, December 16, 2012, at St. Paul's Cathedral, Namirembe, The Most Revd Stanley Ntagali was enthroned as the 8th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.  The ceremony was attended by more than 3000 people, including His Excellency the President, political and business leaders, all the bishops of the Church of Uganda, and Primates from numerous other provinces in the Anglican communion.  Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, addressed the gathering, and the Most Revd. John Sentamu, Archbishop of York and a Ugandan by birth, represented the Archbishop of Canterbury and read a letter of greetings and congratulations.  The preacher was the Most Revd Robert Duncan, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America.  The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, retiring Archbishop, handed over the Provincial Staff to Archbishop Ntagali, symbolizing the transfer of spiritual authority from one Archbishop to another.  More information can be found here.

Urgent Message from Archbishop Duncan

Archbishop Duncan encourages us “to join with our brothers and sisters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in this season of prayer.”

To the Bishops, Clergy, and Christians of the Anglican Church in North America

Greetings in the wonderful name of The Lord Jesus Christ.

Some of you may know of the great challenges that are faced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Horrible armed conflict has claimed more than five million lives there since 1998. Now, a surge in fighting in the eastern part of the country has increased the casualties.

In the midst of extreme poverty and violence, the Anglican Church of Congo has maintained a faithful witness. Our dear friend and GAFCON/FCA brother, Archbishop Henri Isingoma is being joined by other Christian leaders in calling for a week of intense prayer from Monday, November 26th to Sunday, December 2nd. Archbishop Henri is an amazing inspiration, being able to keep his focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ in circumstances that are unimaginably difficult.

It is our Christian duty in the Anglican Church in North America to join with our brothers and sisters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in this season of prayer with hope and expectation that the same God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead would bring a breakthrough for genuine and lasting peace.

Faithfully in Christ,

++Robert Pittsburgh

Canons and Constitution for New Diocese Adopted/Bishop Nominated

On Saturday, November 10, the constitution and canons for the Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast were adopted, and The Very Rev'd Clark W. P. Lowenfield, Vicar General of the Diocese-in-Formation, was nominated for Bishop, by acclamation. Lowenfield is the Elder/Steward of HopePointe Anglican Church in The Woodlands, Texas.  He is a graduate of Amherst College and The University of the South-School of Theology.  He and his wife Tricia have three daughters.

105th Archbishop of Canterbury Announced

Eton-educated former oil company executive, the Rt. Rev. Justin Welby has accepted God's call to be the next head of the Church of England and spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion.  The Prime Minister's office and Lambeth Palace released the announcement of the Queen's nomination on November 9, 2012.   He will be enthroned on March 21, 2013. Bishop Welby is well known for his deeply-held evangelical faith and his experience in the business world.  After reading law and history at Trinity College, Cambridge, he began a career in the oil industry based in Paris and London, with work in Western Africa and the North Sea.  In response to God's call to the ministry, he matriculated Cranmer Hall in Durham and took a degree in theology.  He served later as a curate in Nuneaton in the Coventry Diocese and in 1995 was made a rector in Southam; in 2002, he was made a canon at Coventry Cathedral.  He was made Dean of Liverpool in 2007 and enthroned as Bishop of Durham, the fourth most important post in the Church of England, in 2011.  His mother was Winston Churchill's private secretary, and he is also related to the former Conservative deputy Prime Minister, Rob Butler.  His experience in conflict resolution and his frequent, often dangerous, trips to Nigeria, as well as his extensive knowledge of the Anglican Communion, are expected to be of great benefit to him and the church. He is known for his sense of humor and self-depracating manner, as well as his love of sailing.  He and his wife Caroline have six children, one of whom died at the age of seven months in an automobile accident in 1983. More information is available from the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Bishop's opening statement at Lambeth is available here, and a recent interview is available here.

Bishop Atwood Sends Letter to Diocese Concerning Responsible Voting

Bishop Bill Atwood has sent a letter to the International Diocese concerning the spiritual responsibility of Christians to vote in the upcoming election.  In it, he notes that

"In this election, there are critical issues that Christians must consider if we are to remain faithful.  Three of them stand out.  First, is reference for life. Second, preserving the integrity and stability of the family as God has revealed it.  Third is religious freedom . . . . The attempt is being made to keep "religious" values out of public discourse and decision-making, but we should not do that.  Unwittingly, Christians who opt out of the political process are strengthening that position . . . . It is not faithful to fail to vote."  The entire letter can be read here.

The Rev. Steve Breedlove Consecrated Bishop in PEAR USA

On Monday, October 29, 2012, The Rev. Steve Breedlove was consecrated Bishop in the Anglican Province of Rwanda.  He was elected by unanimous acclamation at the first PEAR USA Celebration Assembly, which met in Raleigh, NC, in June. At that time, the formation of three network relationship groups, along with the leaders of those groups, also was announced.  At the Consecration Service, Archbishop Duncan of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) preached and Archbishop Rwaje of Rwanda did the consecration.  Most of the Rwandan Bishops were present, along with Bishops and other leaders in ACNA.

PEARUSA is a North American mission and church planting movement of the Province de L’Eglise Anglicane au Rwanda (PEAR), in collaboration with the ACNA.

(Photo by Thomas Kortus)

Ecumenical Summit Held in Dallas, Texas

Leaders from Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches and organizations met in Dallas, Texas, from October 22-25, 2012.  They affirmed common theological ground and sought practical ways to work together on engaging North American culture, planting churches  and missions, and being a social witness.  On the final day, they affirmed an ecumenical statement that addresses each of these concerns. They also committed to meet again for a second summit in 2013. A list of participants and more information can be found on the ACNA website.

Archbishop Duncan Authorizes a Theological Task Force on Holy Orders

Archbishop Duncan has appointed the Rt. Rev. David Hicks, Bishop of the REC Diocese of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to lead a Theological Task Force of the College of Bishops through a thorough study regarding the ordination of women to Holy Orders. When the Anglican Church in North America was founded, the consensus was that the different understandings regarding ordination of women to Holy Orders would be held in mutual love and respect while moving forward for the good of the Church. This commitment was embedded in the Constitution and Canons.  As ACNA enters its fourth year, the Archbishop has determined, along with the Bishops, that it is "time to appoint a continuing body to help us with the study [of women's ordination] that was never previously undertaken." More information is available at the ACNA website.

Church of the Province of West Africa (CPWA) Elects 9th Primate

The following letter was released by the Dean of CPWA:

Global South Primates' Letter to the Crown Nominations Committee

On July 20, 2012, Primates from the Global South of the Anglican Communion sent a letter to  Lord Luce of the Crown Nominations Commission regarding their expectations for the next Archbishop of Canterbury.  In the Communique released at the end of the meeting, the Primates noted:

We have written to the Crown Nominations Commission with concerns from the Global South and important principles for consideration as it nominates candidates for the appointment of a new Archbishop of Canterbury.

A copy of the letter is now available. 

2012 Global South Conference, Bangkok, Thailand

The Global South Anglican Conference met in Bangkok, Thailand, from July 16-21, 2012.  The theme of the Conference was "Be Transformed by the Renewing of the Mind to Obedience of Faith for Holistic Mission in a Radically Changing Global Landscape," based on Romans 12:1f and II Timothy 4:7.  The Conference was a response to the Fourth Anglican Global South to South Encounter in Singapore, April 2010, to "gather leaders from Provinces of the Global South and other mission partners, which are unequivocally committed to the apostolic-historic faith."  The Bangkok Conference, attended by more than 100 delegates from provinces of the Global South and by mission partners from other parts of the Communion and various Mission agencies, noted that "the 'centre of gravity in world Christianity' has shifted to the Global South."  In light of numerous challenges that are faced in the changing global patterns of thinking, they determined that the "greatest need is for discipleship to take root and go deep," and that emphasis had to be placed "on discipleship and character formation, marked with 'humility, integrity, and simplicity.'"  The Communique issued at the end of the meeting is available online.

The Rt. Rev. Stanley Ntagali Elected 8th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda

On 22nd June 2012, at a press conference held at the Archbishop's Palace, Namirembe, the Rt. Rev. Nicodemus Okille, Dean of the Church of the Province of Uganda, announced that the Rt. Rev. Stanley Ntagali was elected the 8th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda. The election was held by secret ballot during a meeting of the House of Bishops on Friday, 22nd June, 2012, at St. Paul's Cathedral, Namirembe, and was presided over by the Provincial Chancellor. Bishop Ntagali was elected with more than a two-thirds majority, per the Constitution of the Church of Uganda.  Bishop Ntagali was consecrated Bishop on 19th December 2004 and has served as the Bishop of Masindi-Kitara Diocese for eight years.  More information is available here.
 

At the opening Eucharist of the Celebration Assembly of PEARUSA in Raleigh, North Carolina, Archbishop Onesphore Rwaje presented The Rev. Canon Dr. Steve Breedlove to the clergy and lay members of the assembly.  Rev. Canon Breedlove, who recently stepped down as rector of All Saints Church, Chapel Hill, was officially installed as the Presider pro tem of PEARUSA.  He will preside over an interim mission council until the October assembly, at which time the offices and structures of the organization will be finalized.  Bishop Thad Barnum will serve as episcopal advisor, at the Archbishop's request.  In a show of unity, Bishop John Guernsey brought greetings from ACNA Archbishop Robert Duncan, who was unable to attend due to previous commitments, and his fellow bishops. 

Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See to Retire

The Archbishop of Canterbury has announced that the Very Reverend Canon David Richardson, the Archbishop’s Representative to the Holy See and Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, intends to retire at Easter 2013.  Canon Richardson will have served for five years as Director of the Centre.  He has recently been instrumental in establishing a five-year plan that will enable the Centre to move forward its mission with renewed focus and vigor in preparation for the 50^th  anniversary of the Centre in 2016 and beyond.  Canon Richardson is Dean Emeritus of St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, and one of four Provincial Canons of Canterbury.  He is married to Margie and they have two adult children.  More information is available at

http://www.aco.org/acns/news.cfm/2012/6/13/ACNS5120

ACNA 2012 Assembly Concludes with Eucharist

On the final day of Assembly 2012 in Ridgecrest, N.C., the closing Eucharist service was marked by a focus on the theme of “Captivating Disciples, Multiplying Congregations and Transforming Communities.”

Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, Primate of the Anglican Church of Kenya and Chairman of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans Primates’ Council, presided, and The Rt. Rev. John A.M. Guernsey, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic, delivered the sermon.  The full text of his sermon can be read here.  

The Presidential address is available through Anglican.TV and on the ACNA website.  Other messages also are available on the ACNA website.

Bishop Atwood Interviews Archbishop Isingoma

During the ACNA Provincial Assembly, held in North Carolina in June 2012, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Bill Atwood, Bishop of the International Diocese of ACNA, interviewed Archbishop Henri Isingoma of the Anglican Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  In April, 2012, Archbishop Isingoma provided a temporary refuge for members of the Anglican Mission in America (AMiA) while they searched for an ecclesiastical home.  In doing so, he set certain provisions and restrictions for the group, including the requirement that they engage in a "reconciliation process."  More information is avaialbe here.

GAFCON Concludes Leaders' Conference in London and Sets 2013 Meeting

In their final conference, ‘Commitment,’  the GAFCON leaders meeting in London resolved to work together in an ever-strengthening partnership, to support each other, and to engage in a battle on behalf of the Biblical Gospel. They issued a Statement and Commitment for moving forward.

In his plenary address, Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali stated that the Anglican “Instruments of Unity” have failed dramatically and that the FCA is called to model an alternative way for the churches of the Anglican Communion to gather and relate to one another in such a way as to carry out the Great Commission in the coming decades.

A Global Anglican Future Conference was announced for May 2013 and will include clergy and lay people, as well as bishops.  For more information, please go to the Gafcon London 2012 site.

ACNA and The Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod Release Joint Statement

The Anglican Church of North America and the North American Lutheran Church met at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA, on March 27.  On April 23, 2012, they released a joint statement addressing their areas of theological agreement, challenges both churches face, and ways in they they may work together in the future.   Bishop Bradosky and Archbishop Duncan affirmed their mutual commitment to pursue the development of ecumenical relationships between ACNA and NALC, on the basis of Holy Scripture.  For more information, please go to the ACNA website.

Archbishop Eliud Wabukala, Kenya, at News Conference of Opening of GAFCON Leaders Conference

The New Chairman of the GAFCON Primates Council, The Most Rev. Eliud Wabukala, Archbishop of Kenya, exchanged seats with former Chairman, Archbishop Greg Venables, Southern Cone, as he accepted the call to serve in the leadership position.  He then addressed the media.  For a video of the news conference, please go to the GAFCON media site.  In his opening address, Archbishop Wabukala told the delegates that they were called to "a grest prophetic purpose at this critical point in the life of our Communion.”  He outlined the extent of unbiblical teaching in the Communion and declared “The heart of the crisis we face is not only institutional, but spiritual.”

Primates Meet Prior to GAFCON Leaders Conference

The Primates Council of the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans met for three days,  April 19th - 21, in London.  They confirmed the decision to call GAFCON II in May next year and will present a venue soon.  For more information, please go to the GAFCON website.