PHILADELPHIA: NEW ORTHODOX "ANGICAN GATHERING" IN BENNISON DIOCESE. Finding a non-schismatic strategy in difficult times

By David W. Virtue

March 5, 2004

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A group of Anglicans who want traditional Anglican worship using the 1928 Prayer Book has been formed in the Philadelphia area.

Last November, a small group calling themselves “The Anglican Gathering” began worshipping on Sunday afternoons.

“To some, it seemed an aggressive move… Episcopalians are everywhere but orthodox Anglicans are few… We knew that many members of our community are uncomfortable with the promiscuous pantheism and revisionist nonsense preached in Chestnut Hill’s two Episcopal churches… We began to pray… believing God would sovereignly draw His people to Himself.” — Hudson Barton, lay traditionalist

They found pastoral support from Fr. Eddie Rix of All Saints Church, Wynnewood, PA… All Saints is a Forward-in-Faith, NA parish and is affiliated with “The Network.”

“We are now realizing that there is great potential for the Gospel in collaboration… two footholds in the Anglican Communion… will make us safe and strong.”

For those who live in the Philadelphia area, “The Anglican Gathering” meets every Sunday for a Vesper service using the 1928 Prayer Book…