by Rev’d Keith Acker, FiFNA
June 19, 2009
The final day of the 2009 Assembly of Forward in Faith North America (FiFNA) reviewed the group studies for effectiveness in ministry to our members in the new province, in the diocese in formation, and those under The Episcopal Church (TEC). Those in the new province of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) are looking for FiFNA to increase its teaching role of the Catholic faith, work with those who define themselves as Evangelicals, build a coalition among those holding a Catholic view of the new province, and to more boldly work to start and grow our mission efforts. For those in the diocese in formation organizing for mission is a top priority along with making a home for those parishes looking to move into the ACNA who uphold Catholic faith and order. For those under TEC all of the plans and solutions were seen as short term plans and short term actions. Creative solutions to support this witness in an increasingly hostile territory was given the full attention of a newly created “Episcopal Desk.” FiFNA pledges to minister to these martyroi who serve in peril.
The FiFNA constitution was amended to reflect the largest provinces of Anglican Communion recognizing the ACNA as a province of the Anglican Communion. An additional amendment conforms regional convocations of FiFNA from strict geographic bounds to the current practice to gather groups of FiFNA members and parishes as best meets their local need for cooperative mission and ministry. The most significant change made the office of President open to members of all orders and to define the Vice-Presidents as the head of the “Episcopal Desk” (ministry to members under TEC) and the bishop of the Missionary Diocese of All Saints (the Diocese in Formation for FiFNA parishes). A section was added to allow greater flexibility for representation of those parishes and organization in FiFNA under represented at the Assembly.
The Assembly elected the Right Reverend Keith L. Ackerman to continue in the office of President, the Rev’d James Guill as 1st Vice-President, the Rev’d Geoffrey Boland as the Clergy member of Council (term expires in 2012), and Mr. Tim Kaza as the Lay member of Council (term expires in 2012). The office of 2nd Vice-President was filled by the amendment to the Constitution with the Rev’d William Ilgenfritz being the bishop-nominee for the Missionary Diocese of All Saints (he is expected to be elected by the ACNA House of Bishops meeting during the coming week).
The Assembly expressed its appreciation and gratitude to Chris Fouse for her work in developing and engaging in the teaching of Lay Catechists; the Rev’d Dr. Peter Toon who died this past month, for his dedication and service in prayer book and liturgical theology; the Rt. Rev’d Edward MacBurney, retired bishop of Quincy for his continued service as a Bishop of the Anglican Communion; and the Rev’d James Guill for coordinating the worship for the 2009 Assembly.
Additional resolutions were brought and passed on the floor of the 2009 Assembly:
Resolution passed by Assembly 2009:
- That Forward in Faith North America pas significant attention to the call for Christian unity expressed by our Lord, and mark carefully the need for humility and self-sacrifice in the reversal of centuries of Christian divisions, keeping in mind that our call is toward Christian unity, and not solely Anglican.
- The 2009 Assembly of Forward in Faith North America encourages the use of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer and the 1549 Book of Common Prayer, and associated missals.
The 2010 Assembly time and location were announced. The 2010 Assembly of Forward in Faith North America will be held June 16-18, 2010 at The Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL. [major airport is St. Louis, MO]
