ATLANTA: AAC BOARD CELEBRATES ANGLICAN REALIGNMENT IN NORTH AMERICA

AAC Board of Trustees Celebrates Anglican Realignment in North America

The American Anglican Council (AAC) held its Board of Trustees meeting April 27 – 29, 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Board celebrated the realignment of Anglicanism that is underway, noting a strong grass roots movement of individuals and churches that are forming coalitions and planning program initiatives, networking, assisting with missionary endeavors and planting churches.

The AAC renewed its commitment to the Anglican Communion Network (ACN) as well as those faithful individuals and congregations in hostile dioceses in need of encouragement and intervention.

The Board also heard reports from various committees and staff members and discussed plans to encourage and minister to beleaguered individuals and parishes. The Rt. Rev. Frank Lyons, Bishop of Bolivia, was present as a special guest, offering an international perspective on the current situation.

Explaining that his role as ACN Moderator has developed such that it is impossible to continue in both leadership roles, the Rt. Rev. Robert W. Duncan announced his resignation as Vice President of the AAC Board. In a letter to him the Board said, "We will miss your leadership in the operation and direction of programs of the American Anglican Council. However, we are delighted that your work as the Moderator of the Network has now expanded to the point where this realignment of your energies has become necessary." The Rt. Rev. Peter Beckwith, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, was elected to fill that position.

The American Anglican Council declared complete and wholehearted commitment to the success of the Network. In a letter drafted to the Moderator, Steering Committee and Council of the Anglican Communion Network, Board members expressed "gratitude to Almighty God for the formation and early life of the Network. The recognition of the Network by Primates representing the majority of Anglicans around the Communion is testimony to the promise that the Network holds for the future of Anglicanism in North America".

"Given the current climates and the lightening speed with which events are moving, it is more important than ever that the American Anglican Council remain focused, strong and healthy," said the Rev. Canon David C. Anderson, AAC President and CEO. "We as a Board are committed to persevere and work diligently for the realignment underway."