Pittsburgh – The 25-28 September Meeting of Common Cause, convened by Bishop Robert Duncan, was a gathering of bishops moving toward a confederated ecclesial structure for North America. Those of our constituency who took part were the dioceses of Forward in Faith, the Anglican Province of America, the Reformed Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Missionary Church, the Diocese of the Holy Cross (the Bishop was there as an observer) and the Anglican Mission in America. The other partners were the Anglican Communion Network, the Anglican Coalition in Canada, Anglican Essentials in Canada, the Anglican Network in Canada, CANA, and the American Anglican Council.

As jurisdictions or other bodies align they will maintain their own independence. Thus the new structure will be a confederation of independent jurisdictions and other bodies who maintain their own distinctives. Our informal connection is through our associations with Forward in Faith and the Federation of Anglican Churches in the Americas.

The meeting showed concern for mission, church planting and youth work, and decided (i) on a brisk timetable for further organization, (ii) on articles of confederation and (iii) on looking forward to acceptance from the Global South primates. These are all solid steps in the right direction. Questions raised at the meeting pertained to (i) the ratio of bishops to parishes, (ii) marriage standards for bishops and (iii) the necessity of jurisdictions and other bodies which are orthodox on apostolic ministry having a secure and respected place. Number (iii) was understood to be assured. There are some bishops who have ordained women who have changed their minds, and we can pray that more will do so, and see how all the issues we face are interrelated.

Phoenixville – Church of the Transfiguration on Sunday, October 7, at 4:00 p.m.: Consecration of the Church and Evensong, sung by the Valley Forge Choir of Men and Boys. Reception after the Liturgy. All bishops, clergy & laity in the Anglican Fellowship of the Delaware Valley, and beyond, are invited to attend. Choir dress for clergy and bishops. The church property was paid off on April 13, 2007, Deo gratias. The Parish was founded in August 1996.

Mass in Swedish on Wednesday, October 10, at 7:30 pm at the Church of the Transfiguration for St. Bridget’s Day and with special intention for the Mission Province in Sweden.

Rosemont – “Church of the Good Shepherd: Anglican Fellowship of the Delaware Valley clergy, Wed, Oct 10, 12 noon Mass followed by lunch (brown bag)

Summerville – Federation of Anglican Churches in America meeting at the Cummins Theological Seminary, Tuesday, October 9. Bishops Hewett and Farmer and Frs. Angell and Young plan to be there.

Swartz Creek –At St. Bartholomew’s, a Quiet Day on Saturday, October 13, “Mary, Our Model,” from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

London – Forward in Faith/United Kingdom Assembly, 19-20 October, with meetings during the following week.

Birmingham – St. Bede’s, Episcopal Visit, November 3 – 4.

Marshall – St. John the Baptist, Institution of the Rev. Canon Jonathan J. D. Ostman, SSC, as Rector, Sunday, November 18 at 10:30 a.m.