Anglican Communion Network

Statement from the American Anglican Council

December 1, 2004

CONTACT: Cynthia P. Brust 202-412-8721

On Tuesday, November 30, 2004, the American Anglican Council was made aware of a column written by David Virtue and posted on his website. In one section, Mr. Virtue raised questions regarding the relationship between the American Anglican Council (AAC) and the Anglican Communion Network (ACN). Unfortunately, Mr. Virtue did not check his facts or verify any of the information contained in the piece with AAC President/ACN Secretary Canon David C. Anderson, ACN Moderator Bishop Robert Duncan or staff of either organization. In addition, “unnamed sources” such as those cited by Mr. Virtue tend to be questionable and should always be corroborated. When confronted about the column, Mr. Virtue removed this section from his website. Unfortunately, it seems to have been distributed to a significant number of individuals.

The AAC was not only instrumental in developing and implementing the concept for a “network,” but has given significant and ongoing staff and financial support to the ACN. Canon Anderson was elected Secretary of the ACN at its Structural Convocation, and the ACN Steering Committee asked the AAC to serve as Interim Secretariat of the Network through the end of 2004. At its September 2004 meeting, the AAC Board of Trustees voted to extend financial and staffing support for the ACN through the end of June 2005 in response to a request from the ACN. Bishop Duncan, Canon Anderson, ACN bishops and deans together with AAC Chief Operating Officer, Canon Ellis Brust, have just completed a very productive planning meeting in Houston, Texas with preparations for emerging domestic and international possibilities.

The ACN has set a goal to be financially self-supporting and to develop their own structure and staff by mid-year 2005 - a natural and expected goal for any new organization. The AAC continues to be committed to assisting and supporting the ACN in a variety of ways. Both Canon Anderson and Bishop Duncan, who also serves on the Board of the AAC, have expressed deep concern about the irresponsible nature of this report and the confusion it may have caused. These two leaders, as well as the organizations both represent, continue to work closely for their common goals.

In addition, Mr. Virtue questioned the advisability of the AAC’s support of the newly formed Anglican Mainstream International (AMI), a networking agency designed to expand the work of Anglican Mainstream. It should be noted that Bishop Duncan and Network leaders were substantially involved in decisions enabling the formation of Anglican Mainstream International. The AAC is dedicated to demonstrating common cause with a variety of Anglican organizations such as Ekklesia, Anglican Global Mission Partners, the Anglican Communion Institute, and affiliate ministries (see the AAC website). Canon Anderson has agreed to serve on an international Steering Committee providing accountability for the new organization proposed at the recent Oxford Gathering. The AAC celebrates all those organizations partnered for the realignment of Anglicanism in North America, as such mutual support demonstrates unity and strength of purpose.

Finally, Mr. Virtue also made a passing reference to relocation of the AAC headquarters. With Board approval, the AAC is currently in final negotiations for leasing property in Atlanta, GA with easy access to Hartsfield Airport, a major transportation hub. The AAC is confident this move will enhance ministry to its membership, the Anglican Communion Network and the larger church, while providing significant cost savings both to the AAC and to the staff. It is unfortunate that Mr. Virtue discussed plans we looked forward to sharing with the AAC membership once contracts are finalized. The AAC will keep members posted on this exciting development as it unfolds.

The AAC has been gifted with strong support from committed individuals around the country as well as internationally and has experienced a significant increase in both dollar amounts and the number of contributors over the last year, meeting the goals for our major grants. It is also a blessing to support and encourage fellow soldiers in the field, and the AAC remains committed to its mission, goals and common cause with faithful Anglicans.