CANA Website: Council 2008—A Success!

Council 2008 concluded Saturday afternoon Aug. 23 with a Spirit-filled festal Eucharist, including a renewal of vows for clergy and blessing of oils.

Council commenced on Thursday morning Aug. 21 with a profound keynote address by Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, who challenged CANA leaders to embark on a new season of Christian discipleship in North America. Clergy wives invested Thursday afternoon in fellowship and visioning for womens ministries.

On Friday morning, Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns delivered his annual State of the Church and Pastoral Call which sketched out the church's mission for discipleship through the 3 W's of Worship, Work, and Witness. Bishop Minns also outlined CANA's stewardship in various areas: clergy development, caring for the vulnerable, and finances.

Also on Friday, Council heard a live interview via Skype with the Anglican officer based in Kenya who is charged with strategic planning to fight HIV/AIDS and other pandemics in Africa. Julian Dobbs, Director of the Barnabas Fund, enlightened and inspired Council in his plenary address on "The Persecuted Church and the Challenge of Islam".

On Saturday morning, clerical and lay delegates to Council elected a new Executive Committee; the nine members come from various backgrounds and locations which represent the scope of CANA's diversity. Council endorsed the creation of a new regional convocation of congregations within CANA, called the Great Lakes District, which will be led by Suffragan Bishop Roger Ames. Representatives also overwhelmingly passed resolutions applauding the work of GAFCON and the Common Cause Partnership.

This year Council had over 380 registrants — an increase of more than 45% over 2007. CANA currently provides jurisdiction to 70 congregations with 150 clergy in 21 states plus the District of Columbia. An additional 7 emerging congregations-in-development are being fostered currently by CANA. link