Anglican Province of America Synod 2011

Today, 15th July 2011, witnessed the conclusion of the Seventh Provincial Synod of the Anglican Province of America, held in Dunwoody, Georgia and sponsored by Saint Barnabas Church. A magnificent affair, the Synod welcomed what may be a record number of delegates, observers and friends from throughout the United States and across the globe. We were particularly honoured to welcome the three Diocesan Bishops of the Anglican Church in America (ACA), the Right Reverends Brian Marsh, Stephen Strawn and Daren Williams, the Vicar General of the ACA Eastern Diocese, Father John Vaughan, and the Archbishop of the Anglican Church in the Philippines, the Most Reverend Frederick Belmonte.

At this morning's session, the Province endorsed a formal intercommunion agreement with the Anglican Church in America, which agreement will be considered for final approval by the General Synod of the ACA in September 2011. Previously, all three Dioceses of the Anglican Province of America, the Diocese of the Eastern United States, the Diocese of Mid-America and the Diocese of the West each endorsed the same intercommunion agreement separately. The four ACA Dioceses have also already individually endorsed the agreement. From this humble beginning, this first crucial step, this gesture of charity and reconciliation, we pray that the reunion of the entire Continuing Church will begin in earnest.

The APA again made history today by presenting a cheque in the amount of $100,000 to Operation Mobilisation for the building of a Dalit educational centre in India, a vital Christian English-language school that will have the potential socially, intellectually and spiritually to liberate hundreds if not thousands of children who otherwise would possess no hope or opportunity for the future. Through intense commitment and sacrifice, our parishes and missions raised the money for the school. Our global outreach and missions have entered a new and exciting phase. Over $5,000 was raised for the Philippine Church's theological training centre at the Synod.

Many fantastic volunteers, over fifty-five in number, made the glorious occasion of Synod possible: our heartfelt thanks go to all those who so graciously and selflessly served to make this year's Provincial Synod a truly wonderful and momentous event.

Let us continue to pray for the unity of the Anglican expression of the Holy Catholic Church of Christ and for the advancement of the Gospel of Our Blessed Lord!