Anglican Communion News Service

05/06/2025

The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem has shared a statement condemning an attack today by Israeli forces on the Ahli hospital in Gaza City, which has killed 5 people.

Read the statement below or on ACNS: https://bit.ly/4mMGbef

03/06/2025

Representatives from 16 world Communions gathered in Assisi from May 5-7, to discuss the development of a common liturgical celebration focused on creation. This included the Anglican Communion, Baptist World Alliance, Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran World Federation and Eastern Orthodox churches.

The conference in Assisi explored whether a new liturgical feast of creation could be developed and celebrated across a number of Christian calendars.

Primarily, a “New Liturgical Feast” would focus on God as the creator, with creation understood as coming into being through Christ.

Environmental and ecological concerns are also important dimensions in this dialogue. A common feast could help churches as they consider their responsibility to care for God's creation.

Learn more about this important dialogue at: https://bit.ly/3Syf2Od

Anglican Centre in Rome
GREEN Anglicans

02/06/2025

The Rt Revd Dr Jo Wells, Deputy Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, visited the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil (Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil or IEAB) to celebrate the 135th Anniversary of the church and the 40th anniversary of women’s ordination in the province.

Bishop Jo Wells attended the National Meeting of Ordained Women in Brazil, titled “Women Weaving Justice”, meeting with female clergy, laity, bishops and the Primate of the province. She also attended a service at the Anglican National Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Porto Alegre to commemorate both the 135th anniversary of the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil and the 40th anniversary of Female Ordination in the region.

Speaking about her visit, the Rt Revd Dr Jo Wells said, “I have been overjoyed to be part of the province’s celebration of 40 years since the first ordination of women, and in the diocese of Meridional where the very first of those ordinations took place. Over 50 women have gathered from across the country - lay as well as ordained - to recount the history and to consider next steps."

The Most Reverend Marinez Bassotto, Primate of the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil reflected, “The history of women's leadership in the Church is a story of strength, courage, boldness and faith. A story of transformation, movement, action, inclusion, resilience and equity. […] This story began in 1973 and culminated in July 1984 when the General Synod approved female ordination."

Read the full article at: https://bit.ly/43ICgq3

28/05/2025

The volatile situation in Gaza continues to cause widespread destruction and loss of life and dignity despite the trickle of humanitarian aid now being distributed.

ACNS shares recent statements from churches and humanitarian organisations calling for peace and stability in the region.

Read the full article at: https://bit.ly/3Fu7NUD

23/05/2025

The Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, has made a visit to the Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt, one of the four dioceses in the Province of Alexandria. He has been hosted in Cairo by the Most Revd Dr Samy Shehata, the Bishop of Egypt and Archbishop of Alexandria and other members of the clergy.

Speaking about his visit to the Diocese, Bishop Anthony shared that his trip to Egypt and Alexandria was “both spiritually uplifting and enjoyable. I was pleased to meet with the Synod there and listen to the experiences of the clergy and laity, and I was delighted to be able to visit sites of historic significance in wider Alexandria. The ministry in the diocese has a clear commitment to mission and evangelism, providing practical aid and skills to those in need. Their commitment to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue is commendable.”

The Most Revd Dr Samy Shehata, Primate of Alexandria and Bishop of Egypt, shared, “We appreciate Bishop Poggo’s willingness to be with us and to open God's Word as we seek to lead with courage and humility in the midst of complex times."

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4jdLMXN

Anglican Diocese of Egypt الكنيسة الأسقفية الأنجليكانية بمصر

22/05/2025

The Church of England's House of Bishops has issued a statement on the situation in Gaza. Read the full statement at the link below:

The House of Bishops, which has been meeting in York this week, has issued a statement on the situation in Gaza.

Read the full statement at cofe.io/GazaStatementHoB.

19/05/2025

Five Primates from the Anglican Communion and the Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome attended an audience with Pope Leo XIV today. They joined with representatives of other Churches and ecclesial communities, and of other religions.

In his address, Pope Leo said, “As Bishop of Rome, I consider one of my priorities to be that of seeking the re-establishment of full and visible communion among all those who profess the same faith in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

He also appealed for peace and justice, saying: “In a world wounded by violence and conflict, each of the communities represented here brings its own contribution of wisdom, compassion and commitment to the good of humanity and the preservation of our common home. I am convinced that if we are in agreement and free from ideological and political conditioning, we can be effective in saying “no” to war and “yes” to peace.”

Speaking about the Pope’s address, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York and Primate of England stated, "It is clear to me, that he longs for the unity of God's Church and sees working for that unity as one of his priorities, so that the world may believe. I look forward to continuing the work we have been doing to increase the co-operation and understanding between the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches."

The Rt Revd Anthony Ball, Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome, the permanent representation of the Anglican Communion in Rome, observed, “In his address, Pope Leo was clear about his intention to promote ecumenical relations and work for greater unity. At the Anglican Centre in Rome, we are deeply committed to our friendship and dialogue with the Catholic Church as we work towards the full unity of Christ's church."

Read more about Pope Leo’s address: https://bit.ly/4doXOfS


Anglican Centre in Rome The Church of England Church of Ireland The Episcopal Church Anglican Church of Melanesia

18/05/2025

An international delegation of Anglican Primates and leaders were among the representatives of world Christian Communions attending the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV today.

As Pope Leo's words floated over St Peter’s Square, a call to unity, peace and mission were major themes in his inauguration message. The new pope appealed for a united Church, to be “a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world". He also encouraged the faithful to “Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one.”

The Anglican delegation was led by the Most Revd Leonard Dawea, Primate of the Anglican Church of Melanesia.

Read more about their experiences here: https://bit.ly/43bU1h2

15/05/2025

The film “The Middle Road” was produced to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Rikkyo Educational Corporation in Japan.

In this reflective film, a student learns about the work of the founder, the missionary from The Episcopal Church, Bishop Channing Moore Williams, who founded Rikkyo School in Tokyo in 1874 after the ban on Christianity was lifted.

In the film, the student is inspired by Williams's humility and faith and undertakes a pilgrimage of sorts to walk in his 150-year-old footsteps.

The Rt Revd Dr Renta Nishihara, president of Rikkyo University and Bishop of Chubu, told ACNS that the "film is a good way to not only understand Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Church in Japan) but also the spirit of Anglicanism."

In his life, Bishop Williams shunned recognition and attention for his works, but this film reflects on the decades of children and young people who have benefited and found faith because of his faithful and diligent works.

Watch the full film at: https://bit.ly/42Zoxfu

立教大学 Rikkyo University

14/05/2025

On Sunday, 18 May, the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV will be held in St. Peter’s Square, in Rome at 10 AM. A delegation from the Anglican Communion will attend, joining with other Anglican pilgrims and representatives from Christian World Communions.

The delegation will represent the prayers and support of Anglicans around the world as Pope Leo is inaugurated. The delegation will also embody the commitment of the Anglican Communion to walk in friendship and partnership with the Catholic Church.

Read more here: bit.ly/43DuWw3

Anglican Centre in Rome

13/05/2025

The Central Members and Anglican Communion representatives of the Canterbury Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) have been announced today by the Church of England.

The CNC works prayerfully and collaboratively to discern and nominate the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Crown Nominations Commission is made up of 20 members, with 17 voting members and comprises of a combination of clergy and laypeople including 5 representatives from the wider Anglican Communion.

Read the news piece at: https://bit.ly/4j48CkT

View the statement from the Church of England: https://bit.ly/4jVd9au

13/05/2025

In light of the announcement of the election of a new Pope and Bishop of Rome, ACNS shares messages of prayer and encouragement from churches around the Anglican Communion.

• “The Anglican Church of Mexico extends its greetings and congratulations to Bishops, Clerics, Religious Communities, lay leaders, men and women, parishioners and members of the Roman Catholic Church on the election of their 267th Pontiff, Bishop of Rome, Leo XIV.” - Iglesia Anglicana de México.

• “I share in the great joy of our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers in welcoming His Holiness Pope Leo XIV as the Bishop of Rome. With Christians around the world, I will be praying for the new Pope as he takes on the enormous challenges and responsibilities of the Petrine ministry.” - The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York.

Read the full article: https://bit.ly/3YIUMwN