ACNA: Executive Committee Calls for Task Force on ‘Islam and Interfaith Engagement’

August 10-11, the Executive Committee called for the formation of a task force on “Islam and interfaith engagement” and approved introduction of a yearly congregational report.
August 12, 2010

Members of the Anglican Church in North America’s Executive Committee wrapped up two days of business sessions with a holy communion service in Ambridge, PA, on August 11.

During the meeting, the elected committee of 12 members (six clergy and six laity) that functions as a board of directors for the Anglican Church in North America, heard reports on the church’s mission, finances and organizational work, called for the formation of a task force on “Islam and interfaith engagement” and approved introduction of a yearly congregational report.

In calling for the creation of a task force on Islam and interfaith engagement, the Ven. Julian Dobbs, a member of the Executive Committee and archdeacon for the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, said “we need to undertake a prayerful, sensitive and honest approach to the issues involved.” Bishop John Guernsey agreed. “The Archbishop didn’t get the applause for his call to engage Islam that he got for the call he gave to plant 1,000 churches, but I know God was in it as well,” he explained, referring to Archbishop Robert Duncan’s address at his service of institution in June, 2009. The Executive Committee unanimously endorsed the naming of the task force by Archbishop Duncan. The task force will report to the Executive Committee at future meetings. the rest