HERNDON, VA: A Cloud of Witnesses: A Perspective on the 2009 CANA Meeting

by The Rev. Darren Simpson
August 2, 2009

There's something very special that happens when faithful Christians; in this case, Anglicans, meet together to worship, learn, and shape the future of their Church. For nearly a week, that "special something touched everyone that walked into the annual CANA Council Meeting that took place at Church of the Epiphany in Herndon, Virginia.

Pictures of the meeting can be viewed here.

In the midst of the hotbed of hostilities perpetrated by a vengeful and increasingly litigious Episcopal church, (Epiphany is just one of the parishes that the Episcopal church is trying to regain control of), there was a feeling of genuine peace, excitement, and joyful celebration where the Holy Spirit could palpably be felt by one and all.

The whirlwind schedule of lectures, classes, seminars, and council meetings were punctuated by worship and prayer services that reminded me of why I became an Anglican.

There were many different facets of the Anglican Communion represented here. From Anglo-Catholics to Evangelicals and everywhere in-between, there was a place of honor and mutual respect and cooperation that was like a breath of fresh air.

Refreshingly absent from the affair was the banter of liberal, revisionist, and homoerotic activists trying to peddle their agendas and propaganda to the crowds that usually gather at TEC events. There was no one here that denied scriptural integrity and infallibility. No bishop came to the lectern to preach that the doctrine of personal salvation was heresy and error. No denials of the divinity and uniqueness of Jesus Christ.

No, this gathering was gleefully devoid of these distractions.

the rest at Virtueonline

(Having attended this gathering, I can only say "amen" to these observations. I came back home encouraged, refreshed and renewed and eager to go forward to do the work of the kingdom. More photos by Raymond Dague below. -PD)