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October 19, 2006
Ecclesiastical Congress
The Ecclesiastical Congress convened at St. James' Anglican Church in Kansas City MO, under the auspices of the Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite. This also saw the coming together of HCC Western Rite under Bishop Michael Wright and his counterpart in South Africa Bishop Bonzano. I represented the UECNA and was asked to speak on 'Evangelism and Church Growth.'
The Congress began with Matins and Mass. Archbishop Michael Writer, gave the Keynote address calling for reconciliation and unity. Reaffirming his faith in the Affirmation of St. Louis, he insisted on the four principles, a consciousness that we are part of the Body of Christ, Sound Doctrine, the Structure of the Church (Bishop, Priests, Deacons and Laity) and the Disciplined Christian Life. The acting Metropolitan Bishop Thomas Kleppinger presented "Church Music Demonstration" how one could be resourceful should a church not have an organist or an organ. This was followed by "Church Music Applied" by Peter Wipple.
The afternoon session opened with an address from Bishop Samuel Banzano of South Africa. Their search and desire was to belong to the true orthodox Anglican family. John Getz, an attorney and member of St. James, presented a session on the "Canons" and Lynn Baxter presented "Legal and Church Accounting". I followed with my presentation on Evangelism and Church Growth. The evening was conclunded with Solemn Even Song and Benediction conducted by James Gordon and myself.
The following day opened with Matins and Eucharist presided by Bishop Arthur Rushlow. Bishop David Seeland presented his talk on the Ministry to the Sick. This was followed by Fr. Oren Cyphers devoting a dedicating his presentation on the Acolytes, who are important part of the liturgical ceremony. Bishop Hank King gave a presentation on the "Holy Oils", followed by a short presentation by Mary Elizabeth Gemmill on the concept of a "Parish Nurse" - if there are retired nurses among us in the parish how they could be lifesavers for the church. The evening had the college of bishops meeting, acknowledging Chamber's Succession as the source of all our episcopates and the need to enter into intercommunion.
One of the attendees that I was curious about was a young lady attending College in Kansas City. I wondered what she thought about the Congress and Anglicanism. She said there should be more soul searching in terms of catechism, studying the curriculum in the context of the scriptures. Her input was very important as she was the youngest among those present. The congress concluded with Evening Prayer and Hymn Sing.
Kudos to the Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite for organizing this congress in a time when we need to stand together on the principles of Anglicanism that has guided our church in the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church for all these years
Posted by frleo at October 19, 2006 8:33 AM
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