Adapted from the Global Episcopal Mission Network, via Episcopal News Service
Responding to the decision concerning the Episcopal Church announced by the Anglican Primates Meeting on January 14, the board of Global Episcopal Mission Network has renewed GEMN’s call for Episcopalians to engage in global mission by sending and receiving pilgrims, missionaries, volunteers, and learners between the Episcopal Church and the whole world, with emphasis on the Anglican Communion.
In the midst of a situation that is painful for all concerned, especially because of potential impacts on treasured relationships throughout the Communion, we choose to act in faith, hope and love.
“The outstretched arms of Jesus on the cross are a sign of the very love of God reaching out to us all,” Presiding Bishop Michael Curry said at the Primates’ Meeting.
Episcopalians, young and old and from all walks of life, encounter those “outstretched arms of Jesus” in new and empowering ways when we engage in international mission. Such companionship is transformational.
GEMN will continue, with renewed energy, to invite and equip Episcopalians for service and learning with our sisters and brothers of the Anglican Communion.
GEMN welcomes the primates’ affirmation of evangelism (“We commit ourselves through evangelism to proclaim the person and work of Jesus Christ, unceasingly and authentically, inviting all to embrace the beauty and joy of the Gospel”).
We likewise welcome the primates’ attention to climate change, religiously motivated violence, poverty and war as highlighted in their communiqué. All these concerns are vital to God’s mission in the world.
We invite all individuals, parishes, dioceses, and mission-minded organizations to join us in advancing God’s global mission. In particular, we invite people to come, or send others, to GEMN’s Global Mission Conference in Ponce, Puerto Rico, May 18-20. Presiding Bishop Curry, Episcopal Migration Ministries, and others will address the theme of “God’s Mission With a World in Continuous Motion.”
