ANGLICAN ESSENTIALS
INTERIM FEDERATION COUNCIL
NEWSLETTER #2
During the last weekend in November, the twenty-two members of the Essentials Federation Council met in Toronto to continue, on a face-to-face basis, Federation business arising from The Way Forward Conference.
The organization of the evolving Essentials Structure obviously took up some time in the weekend meetings and that was culminated in a presentation by Dr. Diana Verseghy. Diana and the Prayer Book Society Policy Committee, were asked to develop a draft of a constitution for the Federation ready for ratification at the upcoming June conference. Later in the meeting, Council was updated on the work of a committee that has already begun the work of planning for this watershed event, now expected to be held in the Toronto area.
Upon a review of structures and duties of our National Director, Council decided to have a report prepared to determine the need for a General Secretary, responsible for the oversight, coordination and direction of the administrative needs of the Federation and its Council. This role would be particularly designed to free up and support Charlie Masters, our National Director, for his work of connection, coordination and interaction with the national and international constituencies that comprise the Federation’s sphere of ministry. This report will be considered at one of the weekly follow-up teleconference meetings, which the Federation council are currently holding, and will hopefully be acted on very soon.
Council also dealt with the urgent need for the Federation’s website to be up and running and received a presentation from the Angelpiper Webworks media group. It is anticipated that the website will be functional early in the New Year.
Bishop Don Harvey spent some time in reporting on the House of Bishops meeting and the resolutions of that meeting ( these will be available on the Anglican Essentials Federation website as soon as it is up and running). He also reported on meetings of the Anglican Communion Network, and Anglican Mainstream International.
The Rev. Dr. Trevor Walters gave an insightful review of the Network and its similarities and differences with the Federation. The roles and interactions of the two bodies were outlined in last week’s Federation Newsletter.
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Obviously some time was spent on financial matters and the outcome was the passing of the 2005 budget of the Essentials Council. As it amounts to more than $220,000 fundraising was also a key area of discussion.
A report was received regarding the founding meeting of Saskatchewan Essentials, which took place in Saskatoon on November 27th. Council was encouraged with news of the large initial membership numbers in attendance. A more detailed summary will be forthcoming in later editions of this newsletter.
Finally, Council heard a very creative proposal by Peter Robinson for the establishment of a new national Anglican publication. It would serve the journalistic and theological needs of the large community of Canadian Anglicans who are deeply concerned for the renewal of an orthodox centre and voice within our tradition.
A follow-up teleconference meeting of the Council took place on December 2nd where the work of discussing and developing the topics and themes of the Toronto meeting continued with energy, fellowship and accomplishment.
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim: 3:16,17 NIV