July 14, 2010
These past few weeks have been challenging as we have absorbed the news from the Virginia Supreme Court which wants to send the decision for nine CANA churches back to the lower court. We must now face the reality that our legal struggle is likely to last longer and cost more than we had hoped. While this is disappointing I have been greatly encouraged by the way in which clergy and congregations throughout the Anglican District of Virginia have received the news. Your trust in God and determination to keep a positive focus on mission and ministry continues to be aremarkable testimony to your faith in Jesus Christ. One thing is sure - as long as we depend upon the grace of God, the future of the ADV is bright!
You will also have heard that Bishop Dave Bena, CANA contact bishop for ADV, has announced his retirement effective late October 2010, so that he and Mary Ellen can invest more time in their family and local-area ministry around their home in upstate New York. Bishop Dave has already retired several times! He retired from military service 18 years ago and then retired as Suffragan Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Albany four years ago before coming to serve in CANA. There are no words that can adequately express my appreciation and admiration for Bishop Bena he is truly a gift from God!
In light of recent developments, however, I have asked him to modify his immediate retirement plans somewhat. While he will step down from all of his non-ADV responsibilities, I have asked that he continue to serve as ADV contact bishop. He will carry a reduced visitation schedule, while it is my intention to increase my ADV visitations and I have asked Archdeacon Howell Sasser to assist me in this. I will also be installing Canon Missioner Julian Dobbs as an archdeacon so that he can assist in this vital ministry. In addition, I will also appoint Canon Dr. John Yates, rector of The Falls Church, as dean for the ADV to provide additional leadership for ADV clergy. As you can see we will stay in close contact during this transition season.
As you will be hearing from Jim Oakes and the ADV task force, we are making steady progress towards the establishment of an ACNA diocese and the election of a bishop for this new structure. It is a complex process but I am hopeful that we may be able to conclude it within the next year or so.
In the meantime, Angela and I do look forward to seeing you at the annual CANA Council to be held at the Church of the Epiphany in Herndon from July 22nd through 24th with pre-Council events earlier in the week. Our theme is "Being Church In the World". There will be opportunity for renewed fellowship and exciting worship. We will be welcoming the new Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Nicholas Okoh and keynote speaker, Dr. Darrell Whiteman of The Mission Society who will be speaking to issues of effective communication of the Good News and cultural transformation. Be sure to plan to stay for the closing festal Eucharist on Saturday morning when Archbishop Bob Duncan will be preaching.
In Christ,
The Rt. Rev'd Martyn Minns
Missionary Bishop of CANA
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