Leaders from the Diocese of South Carolina and the Anglican Church in North America, led by Bishop Mark Lawrence and Archbishop Foley Beach, came together at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, South Carolina on April 28-29, 2015 for prayer, fellowship, and conversation.
We had frank exchanges that examined the possible compatibility of the ecclesiologies of the Anglican Church in North America and the Diocese of South Carolina.
There is a wide spectrum of polities in the provinces of the Anglican Communion and these differences affect the ways in which dioceses relate to their respective provinces. Provinces such as Nigeria are more hierarchical, while provinces such as South America are more conciliar. Our conversations began exploring the practical dimensions of how a diocese and province relate in the structure of the Anglican Church in North America.
It sounds like they are going to need quite a while for discussions to sort these things out.
But it also sounds like the conversations will be very useful, whether or not Dio SC ends up as part of ACNA. The two entities seem to be on very good terms, and they may well be able to sort out some of the overlaps and have a good relationship going forwards, in whatever form that may take.
A good first step towards reaching a goal of common interests.
Personally, I am pleased by this.
Look forward to hearing more, especially, perhaps, from our Diocesan, +Bill Atwood.
It is good to talk.
Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Prayers for all concerned.
I was thinking about Psalm 105:40-44 [Psalter version] this evening.
May the rivers run in the dry places.
hoping and praying for continued good will.