CALIFORNIA: ORTHODOX EPISCOPALIANS TO GATHER FOR AAC “PLANO-WEST”

By David W. Virtue

April 17, 2004

Orthodox Episcopalians in Southern California will gather for a major conference—dubbed Plano-West—at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center on June 3–4, 2004.

Hosted by the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Anglican Council (AAC), with support from the San Diego Chapter, the event—An Historic Gathering of Anglicans Committed to the Great Commission—serves as a follow-up to the original Plano conference in Dallas (October 2003, 2,700 attendees) and Plano East in Woodbridge, Virginia (January 2004, 2,600 attendees).

Keynote speaker is the Rev. Canon Dr. Michael Green, senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and one of the world’s leading evangelists. Also featured:

The Rev. Canon Dr. Kendall Harmon — theologian and leading voice for historic orthodoxy

The Rev. Canon Dr. Alison Barfoot — co-rector of Christ Church, Overland Park, Kansas, and incoming assistant for international relations to Archbishop Henry Orombi of Uganda

The Rev. Chuck Reischman — vicar of New Life Episcopal Church in Littleton, Colorado, ministering primarily to youth and families in the wake of the Columbine tragedy

Local organizers include the Rev. Dr. Ron Jackson (St. Luke’s, La Crescenta), the Rev. Bill Thompson (All Saints, Long Beach, and Dean of the Western Convocation of the ACN), the Rev. Dr. Tony Baron (St. Anne’s, Oceanside), and the Rev. Praveen Bunyan (St. James, Newport Beach).

Said Jackson:

“It’s time to move forward. This conference is about providing a place for faithful, orthodox Episcopalians to minister in the power of Jesus Christ. We’re focusing on the Great Commission—Jesus’ command that all believers share the Good News with the world. It is also another opportunity to take a strong, unified stand against the recent grievous actions of the national Episcopal Church. I am convinced this conference will change lives.”

Four goals of Plano-West:

Declare steadfast commitment to the Gospel within the Anglican Communion

Prepare for the emerging realignment of an orthodox, vital Anglicanism in the U.S.

Equip the church for missionary engagement and Great Commission fidelity

Inspire and train the next generation to seek God, stand on His Word, and proclaim Christ

Youth (ages 15–21) are a priority: Thursday evening’s plenary—led by Fr. Reischman—will focus on them, with music by the Justin Fox Band.

Registration:

Adults: $70

Youth/Seminary students: $10

Evening-only (Thurs & Fri): $30

For details: www.aacla.org

Media: Cynthia Brust, AAC Director of Communications — (202) 296-5360 or cbrust@americananglican.org

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