Episcopal Church’s ACC Delegates Highlight Hope and Unity from Anglican Consultative Council Meeting

The Episcopal Church’s three representatives to the 19th meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council returned from Belfast with a renewed sense of hope, having engaged in meaningful dialogue with leaders from across the global Anglican Communion. The ACC, one of the four key bodies uniting the 42 autonomous provinces, convened in Belfast from June 28 to July 4, offering a platform for fellowship, shared initiatives, and discussion on resolutions addressing various concerns within the communion.

The ACC-19 meeting, held every three years, focused on inter-Anglican collaboration and the advancement of shared goals. This year’s gathering saw a decision to avoid structural changes that would have reduced the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Instead, the council approved a resolution emphasizing continued dialogue across theological differences, particularly on issues related to human sexuality.

Bishop Rafael Morales Maldonado of Puerto Rico, one of The Episcopal Church’s ACC representatives, expressed optimism about the future of the communion. “I’m going back to The Episcopal Church and to my diocese with a great spirit about the future,” he said. Morales, along with Rev. Ranjit Mathews and Yvonne O’Neal, represented The Episcopal Church at the meeting. Morales noted that interactions with Anglican leaders from other provinces revealed a shared commitment to “build a culture of understanding” and “continue building bridges of communication.”

Approximately 100 bishops, clergy, and lay leaders from 37 provinces attended the meeting, seated at 17 tables in the conference hall. Conversations within these table groups proved particularly impactful, with Mathews highlighting the value of daily Bible studies shared at his table. These discussions helped participants engage more deeply in challenging conversations during other sessions.

As Mathews prepares to resume his duties in Connecticut, he carries with him the connections and insights gained from the ACC meeting. “I am not able to let go of these people that I’ve connected with and heard stories from,” he said. The diverse perspectives encountered, including those on matters of significant theological debate, will inform his work moving forward.

The ACC meeting underscored the importance of unity and mutual respect among Anglican provinces. While differences remain, the shared commitment to dialogue and understanding offers a path forward, reflecting the spirit of Micah 6:8—justice, mercy, and humble service.

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