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June 29, 2024 Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings in the exalted name of Jesus, our glorious Savior! Terri and I returned home last evening following 9 days in Latrobe, PA for the electing Conclave of Bishops, Provincial Council, and Provincial Assembly. Allow me to say a brief word here about each of these important gatherings. The College of Bishops met in Conclave to elect a new Archbishop and Primate of the ACNA as Archbishop Foley Beach’s second term came to a conclusion. Over days of deep discussion and prayerful deliberations, the College unanimously elected Bishop Steve Wood of the Diocese of the Carolinas as the third Archbishop and Primate of the ACNA. Archbishop Steve and his wife Jacqui are well known to many in the ADGL as they grew up and originally served in ministry in Northeast Ohio before moving to Mt. Pleasant, SC. Please keep them in your prayers. The Provincial Council with representation from all of the 29 diocesan jurisdictions of the ACNA was then convened to do important work on the governance of the Church. This year, the Council approved significant canonical changes to strengthen the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and completed the necessary elections for Provincial Executive Committee, Tribunal, and Trial Courts. The ACNA Provincial Assembly gathered for the final three days with representation from all 29 diocesan jurisdictions of the ACNA to ratify the work of the Provincial Council over the past five years. In addition to the diocesan assembly delegates, numerous GAFCON Primates, guest ecumenical Bishops, and hundreds upon hundreds of other ACNA clergy and laity attended the times of prayer, worship, teaching, and celebration marking the 15th anniversary of the ACNA. Approximately 40 persons from the ADGL were actively present. Without doubt, the crescendo came in the Closing Eucharist as Archbishop Foley Beach transferred the authority of the office to Archbishop Steve Wood. During both Archbishop Steve’s personal interview before the Assembly and his sermon in the closing Eucharist, he reinforced the importance of the fundamental mission of the ACNA, which is to Reach North America with the transforming love of Jesus Christ. Archbishop Steve reminded us that there are more than 130 million people in the United States alone that do not know Jesus Christ as Savior.
There is a deep and profound sense that God answered our many prayers throughout the days we were together. In the coming months and years, the ACNA will continue to do important work in many areas of our life together. None of these works will be of greater importance than our renewed commitment to give our time, talent, and treasure to bear witness to our Savior Jesus Christ. May we heed the example of Saint Peter and Saint Paul who worked tirelessly to preach the Kingdom of God and willingly laid down their lives to seal their testimony.
“Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church, instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”
As I prepare to begin my summer study break during the month of July, my prayer is that you will experience rest, renewal, and refreshment in the summer months ahead. I pray that your family times will be marked with joy, health, peace, and love.
Please pray with me: “O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve those who travel, gather together, and seek rest and renewal; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and keep them in safety throughout this season; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Your servant for Jesus’ sake,
+Mark
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