In this week’s edition of our weekly newsletter, Scott writes about his recent trip to England, and the fellowship he experienced with fellow members of the Anglican Communion.
Dear friends in Christ,
I’m writing this on a plane on my way back from England. For the last few days, I’ve been in London, where I’d gone to preach, to speak, to meet with partners, and to have a bit of fun.
Once again, I’m struck by the gift of the Anglican Communion. At every turn, I was warmly welcomed. Friends asked for updates on life in the Episcopal Church, and we traded stories about the common joys and challenges we face. It was also fascinating to note differences between the Anglican church in America and in England. Above all, there was the gift of a shared ministry, or being part of a worldwide communion. Though there are challenges we surely face, it is a gift to sort out our differences and unity in the body of Christ.
Serving at Forward Movement, I am naturally interested ways that people work to inspire disciples and empower evangelists. Again and again, I heard how congregations are thriving where discipleship–commitment to following Jesus in a costly way–becomes important. As in America, churches in England are eager to sort out what evangelism in the 21st century looks like.
One friend and I talked about a particular African bishop we both know. We talked about how our lives as Christians had been enriched from knowing this man and from hearing about ministry in his context. His joy is contagious. Relationships like that, along with ministry partnerships, are enlivening for us and for Christ’s body, the Church.
So, today I am giving thanks for the worldwide Anglican Communion. Perhaps you will pray with special fervor the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, which we include with every day’s meditation in Forward Day by Day. And as you do that, know that Anglicans around the world are praying for you and your ministry. Isn’t that a great blessing?
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
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