By Fr. Sean McDermott
The Joint Synod of the Anglican Communion concluded two weeks ago. This Synod was comprised of the Anglican Province of America (APA), the Anglican Catholic Church (ACC), the Anglican Church in America (ACA), and the Diocese of the Holy Cross (DHC). I thought it might be helpful for some who missed the Synod to see and hear the addresses that were made. Enjoy!
Bishop Chad's Homily from the Joint Synod
Bishop Scarlett's address to the Joint Synod on Missions can be found here.
Finally, some general thoughts on the Synod by Fr. R. R. Tarsitano can be found here.
It seems that the Joint Synod was very fruitful and that more fruit will come from this full communion in the coming years. One of the questions that still arises is what will that union look like in 5, 10, 15 years? None of us, of course, know, but we should hesitate from moving too quickly. I would highly recommend Fr. Glenn Spencer's article on intercommunion. That article helped me understand better how to view the process of union and the complications that come from any such desire.
And there are many complications. For example, from my understanding, Fr. Tarsitano did not accurately report that the DHC is coming into full union with the ACC. I do not fault Fr. Tarsitano at all, but it shows some of the problems of 'union' movements. And in regards to that: how may a jurisdiction follow its own canons and 'come under' another jurisdiction? Well, now, that is a question for another post.
Fr. Sean McDermott is Curate at All Saints Anglican in Charlottesville, VA and Editor in Chief at Earth & Altar.
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