wfn.org | ACNS3598 CAPA council closes with calls for greater ties

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3598     |     KENYA     |     1 OCTOBER 2003 

CAPA council closes with calls for greater ties

[ACNS source: Council of the Anglican Provinces of Africa] The ninth
session of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa (CAPA) council
meeting ended over the weekend in Nairobi with a strong call for unity
in the Anglican Church.

Newly elected CAPA Chairman, the Most Revd Peter Akinola, said there
were no internal rifts in the church in Africa, adding that the stand of
the church on issues of human sexuality was guided by biblical teaching
and the Lambeth resolutions of 1998.

"The point is that we as the Anglican Church in Africa will continue to
uphold biblical teaching on human sexuality, marriage and the family,"
Archbishop Akinola told an international news conference after his
unanimous election.

Outgoing CAPA Chairman, Archbishop Robert Okine of West Africa expressed
joy at the growth of the continental body saying its response to the
needs and challenges affecting over 40 million Anglicans in Africa was
commendable.

Over 50 delegates, including African primates, bishops, clergy, laity
and partners, attended the two-day conference, which is the highest
decision-making organ of the council and meets every four years.

In his address to the council, Trinity Grants Program Deputy for Grants,
the Revd James Callaway, said his ministry would continue to partner
with provinces and dioceses regardless of their views in the ongoing
sexuality debate.

"We do not believe we have to see eye to eye with you on every issue to
work with you around common mission concerns," he told the gathering.

"More concisely stated: You don't have to agree with us to be eligible
for a Trinity grant. This has been our policy in the past, it is our
policy now, and it will remain our policy," he said.

While dispelling concerns that provinces and dioceses which express
their views on sexuality will be penalised, James Callaway encouraged
discussions but noted that they should be done within the bounds of
Christian charity.

The council meeting resolved to enhance interfaith relations and work
together with other faith communities to bring lasting peace in war torn
areas in Africa. The council will also continue to prioritise HIV/AIDS
and information sharing among the Anglican churches in Africa to build
stronger communities of faith and support.

Delegates also attended a colourful dedication service of CAPA House,
which is accommodating the CAPA secretariat. Funds to purchase the
building were provided generously by the United Thank Offering (UTO) of
the Episcopal Church of the United States.

UTO Co-ordinator JoAnne Chapman, who was present at the ceremony, said
her organisation was thrilled to be part of such a major accomplishment
in the history of the Anglican Church in Africa. Ms Chapman and outgoing
CAPA Chairman, the Most Revd Robert Okine, cut a ribbon and unveiled a
plaque to mark the official opening of the building.

___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is
distributed to more than 6,000 journalists and other readers around
the world.  For subscription information please go to:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/acnslist.html