wfn.org | ACNS3537 Some highlights from ECUSA's General Convention

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

ACNS 3537     |     USA     |	  4 AUGUST 2003 

Some highlights from ECUSA's General Convention

by Matthew Davies 

There are some wonderfully dynamic things happening in the Episcopal
Church, USA (ECUSA). The 20/20 movement is one of these great things,
which is challenging the church to look at itself in dynamic new ways.
Although it has an objective to double the Episcopal Church's attendance
by 2020, the real emphasis is being placed on proclaiming the Gospel,
relating to young people, and changing the culture of the church as it
engages with and welcomes all people throughout the world. 

According to the Episcopal News Service, a one-hour presentation took
place where clergy and lay voices, from teens to retirees,
enthusiastically lined up at microphones to talk about how new ideas and
cutting-edge ministries were opening exciting opportunities to spread
the Gospel. 

Confirming that Episcopal Church is a growing church, the House of
Bishops have resolved that the Diocese of Puerto Rico be admitted to
ECUSA, and recognise it as a diocese in union with General Convention. 

As the announcement was made and much to the delight of the House, the
Bishop of the Dominican Republic , joined by several other bishops,
celebrated in Spanish song. The Presiding Bishop of ECUSA, the Most Revd
Frank T. Griswold, said, "We are delighted that Puerto Rico is now part
of our larger community." 

The House of Bishops has also applauded the work of Episcopal Relief and
Development (ERD). Sandra Swan, President of ERD, received a standing
ovation during her presentation on Wednesday 30 July. She highlighted
many of the agency's new programs, such as building communities in
Honduras and El Salvador following major natural disasters; and helping
disadvantaged women in South Africa achieve economic self-sufficiency. 

"Episcopal Relief and Development works to give people the tools to
control their own lives, to make their own choices, and live into the
fullness of life," she said.

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