Overview of the work of the Governance Task Force on the Constitution and Canons for the Anglican Church in North America

6/12/2009

The work of the Governance Task Force (GTF) began last October and concluded in April when the Common Cause Council, meeting in Texas, adopted the final version of the Constitution and Canons which are being submitted to the Assembly for adoption. The GTF is quick to admit that its work is not perfect. Undoubtedly some of the provisions when adopted in June will, in time, be changed as the Province gains experience in its common life.

The Constitution and Canons bring together the past experiences of its many separate constituent jurisdictions, our earlier disappointments and our hopes for a vital and effective future together. Compromises in some places were necessary as were the acknowledgment that time may produce a more comprehensive set of documents. What is most remarkable, however, is the unanimity found in setting forth the fundamental declarations of faith and belief.

It is important to note that we had visiting intercessors at our meetings and their quiet but effective presence was a blessing to all of us. From the outset the GTF was guided by certain principles which can be found in the work produced. The first was to apply a minimalist approach to governance by providing only what seemed truly necessary to launch the new Province on its mission. the rest at Virtueonline

Mrs. Cheryl Chang, Esq., Chancellor for the Anglican Network in Canada

THE GOVERNANCE TASK FORCE OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA

Mr. Hugo Blankingship, Esq., Anglican District of Virginia (CANA), Chair
Rev. J. Philip Ashey, Esq., American Anglican Council, Secretary and Chaplain
The Rev. Larry Bausch, Forward in Faith North America (FiFNA)
The Rev. Travis Boline, Anglican Church of Kenya in the US
Mrs. Cheryl Chang, Esq., Anglican Network in Canada
The Rev. Jerry Cimijotti, The Diocese of Recife (Southern Cone)
The Rev. Dr. Kevin Donlon, Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA)
The Right Rev. Robert Duncan, Diocese of Pittsburgh (Southern Cone) and Moderator of the Common Cause Partnership
The Rev. Bill Gandenberger, Diocese of San Joaquin (Southern Cone)
The Right Rev. Royal U. Grote Jr., The Reformed Episcopal Church
The Right Rev. John Guernsey, The Church of Uganda in the US
The Rev. Matt Kennedy, Anglican Church of Kenya in the US
The Rev. Barclay Mayo, Anglican Coalition in Canada (AMiA)
The Rev. Jim McCaslin, Church of Uganda in the US
The Right Rev. Martyn Minns, Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA)
The Right Rev. Bill Murdoch, Anglican Church of Kenya in the US
The Right Rev. Chuck Murphy, Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA)
Mr. Ron Speers, Esq., Church of Uganda in the US and Western Anglicans
Mr. Wick Stephens, Esq., Diocese of Pittsburgh (Southern Cone)
Mr. Scott Ward., Esq., Anglican District of Virginia (CANA)
Mr. R. David Weaver., Esq., Diocese of Ft. Worth (Southern Cone)
Mr. Robert Tong, LL.M., Esq., Sydney Australia, Consultant