After meeting under the theme “Living and Sharing Jesus-Shaped Life,” 28 Anglican bishops have issued a communique. The Most Rev. Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of Myanmar, hosted the group on Oct. 11-16 in Yangon.
The bishops wrote:
The theme [was] inspired by the call to a Season of Intentional Discipleship and Disciple Making issued by the Anglican Consultative Council in 2016. The meeting reflected on four aspects of the theme: Church Responses to Global Extremisms, Church Responses to Peace and Reconciliation, Church Responses to Global Warming and Disasters and Church Responses to Intentional Discipleship. …
Besides reflecting on the theme of the conference, delegates also shared from the contexts in which their churches are ministering so that there can be mutual encouragement and prayer for the work of the churches across East Asia. The delegates were also given the opportunity to worship with local Anglican churches in the Yangon area and were greatly encouraged by the devotion of the congregations and their warm welcome.
It was encouraging to hear of the transition to democratic government in Myanmar, the increasing religious freedom and opportunities in this country, and the commendable efforts by the government to build a stronger and just society, including the peace and reconciliation endeavors. The conference committed its members to pray for the ongoing development of Myanmar and the positive spread of the gospel in that nation.
Delegates noted with concern the impact of climate change in the region but were heartened to hear of the efforts being made to reduce pollution and increase both recycling and the use of energy sources other than fossil fuels across the region.
Read the rest at ACNS.
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
