Virginia Synod unanimously endorses first reading to add the GAFCON Statement and Jerusalem Declaration to the ADV Constitution

Greetings from All Saints Dale City where Bishop John Guernsey resides and where we are gathered today for the annual synod of the Anglican District of Virginia. It's been great to be reunited with friends and meet new members, as well as think through the next steps we're taking in the formation of the Anglican Church in North America. As I write at this moment, we're hearing a report from the Constitution & Canons Committee on proposed amendments regarding the election of bishops, term limits on the boards, and other items. We've all ready created a Task Force to prepare the next steps for the ADV to take to become an official diocese in the Anglican Church.

All Saints is also preparing to build a new church and we're wrestling through whether to take on amending the constitution and canons now or wait until we have heard from the Task Force and call for a Constitutional Convention. It is rather cool to see democracy in action, listening to the leadership, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, not being afraid of discussion of different points, even when it's not easy. I love these people!

We have just passed on first reading (meaning it will come up again at next year's ADV Synod) the following amendment to the ADV Constitution:

We receive and affirm the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) Statement and Jerusalem Declaration issued 29 June 2008.

Of course, we did have a little bit of this:



But just in case anyone might wonder why they should care, the amount of care that went on today to do this well and to do this right - well, it does seem as though, when it comes to freedom some things never change. At least we didn't have to deal with too many flies.