The archbishop of the new Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) speaks with Christianity Today
By George Conger
The archbishop of the new Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) spoke with Christianity Today in Bedford, Texas, where conservatives constituted their alternative to the liberal Episcopal Church.
Q: What is going on here in Bedford?
A: Bedford for us Anglicans is the end of the beginning. We have struggled, some of our congregations for over 30 years, with issues that have been forced upon us by the Episcopal Church. We’ve come to a point where we are not operating in force anymore.
Q: Rick Warren told the ACNA not to be “reactionary,” what did he mean?
A: He means the war [in the Episcopal Church], it’s not yours anymore, that’s behind. God’s got a whole new work for you. We are trying to move on. Don’t be reactionary or reactive means get over the wounds, get over the hurts, get over the lawsuits, get over all the stuff.
Q: What is the ACNA’s plan to reach out to America?
A: We want to be clear that the congregation is God’s fundamental way of doing things, just like the family is God’s fundamental building block for society. And if the chief agency is the congregation, the chief agents are the individual Christians. We have to disciple. We have to teach people to love God … and share their faith. We have to teach them how to engage the world in service, in Christ’s love.
Q What is your message for Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams?
A: He should understand there really is realignment in Anglicanism. There is a new Reformation in the Christian West. I hope he sees the unity despite our diversity. It’s a unity in Christ. He should see the passion for mission. I trust he sees a people that look recognizably Anglican.
Q: What do you have to say to those who criticize the ACNA for being against gays?
A: Jesus was not against anybody. We’re not against anybody. Jesus came to die for all. The Father’s desire is to reach out to everyone—all of us are broken. What I hope people experience from us is the love of God. The starting place is meeting people where they are. What we have embraced as our clear statement is the transforming love of Jesus Christ. I hope that people come out and test us.
Tags: Church Life