Bonnie Anderson in Falls Church:

Written by Nicholas F. Benton
Thursday, 15 January 2009

The highest ranking elected leader of the Episcopal Church USA spoke to the "continuing Episcopalian" congregation in Falls Church Sunday, making a presentation, taking questions and then preaching during the group's weekly religious service.

Bonnie Anderson, president of the House of Deputies of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, said the schism in the Episcopal Church has "awakened a sleeping giant" in the church. "The laity is being pushed into reaffirming its faith, reclaiming its own voice, and is focusing more on dynamic outreach and mission efforts," she said, and while she admitted there is lots of anger, there is also "a lot of hope."

The progressive denomination, which elevated the first openly-gay priest to standing as a bishop in 2003, provoking some congregations to leave, is keenly aware that it may have a special, revitalized role amid the new and young idealism that swept the nation in the 2008 presidential election. the rest