Widening Circle To Sponsor Fall Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02 JULY 2008

Building on the success of its first conference last year in London, Ontario, The Widening Circle (TWC) today announced that it would hold its second conference October 17-19, 2008, at Christ Church Cathedral in Montreal.

The theme of the conference is “The word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). In unpacking the theme, we cite the report of the 1968 Lambeth Conference, which stated that Anglican comprehensiveness “implies that the apprehension of truth is a growing thing: we only gradually succeed in knowing the truth.” Given this definition, how does Anglicanism today respond effectively to disagreements concerning social, ethical, and theological issues? What does authority and unity in Anglicanism mean in a postmodern and postcolonial world?

While planning for the conference continues, we are hoping to invite several notable speakers from around the Anglican Communion; to hold workshops; and to provide opportunities for fellowship. The aim of the conference is further TWC’s three goals: support for a theologically diverse Anglicanism; opposition to any Anglican covenant which would undermine the autonomy of the provinces of the Communion; and support for the full inclusion of gays and lesbians in the life of the church. There will also be a business meeting at which we will adopt a constitution and by-laws and elect officers.

“We view this as an exciting next step in providing real support for the battered mainstream of our Anglican Communion,” said a TWC spokesperson, The Rev. Neil Fernyhough. “We believe that the autonomy of national churches, and the ability of dioceses and parishes to engage in diversity within the context of the canons and customs of the church are principles most mainstream Anglicans support.”

Further information concerning speakers and registration will be available shortly.

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If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview; please contact The Rev’d Neil Fernyhough at 604-993-0095 or sookehills@yahoo.ca; or The Rev’d Rae Fletcher at 519-432-9348 or rae_fletcher@cronyn.ca. Our website is at http://wideningcircle.wordpress.com/.