Preamble

The Bishops of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) offer this pastoral statement to the Church after prayer, study, careful listening to disparate voices, and a collaborative process involving contributions from across the Province. As a result of this process, we have become even more acutely aware of the power we all need to live faithfully in Jesus Christ as He redeems the whole of our identity, including our sexuality.

The College of Bishops asked for the formation of this statement in January of 2020 after we heard reports of varied application among ACNA leaders regarding the use of language about sexual identity, especially within provincial events. We recognize there are a multiplicity of realities in our current national, political, and global circumstances into which an episcopal voice could be presented. In the midst of this tragic pandemic, we desire to continue to minister the Gospel into all aspects of our common life that have been distorted by sin such as racism, persecution, injustice, and violence, while also speaking to this specific issue of identity and sexuality. We hope this circumspect statement will speak pastorally to the issue of sexuality and the use of language within our provincial church.

​The American Anglican Council has started a ministry called 8@8. It's about encouraging Christians to spend 8 minutes in scriptural prayer at 8pm each day. As part of that ministry they've published a scriptural lenten devotional with reflections and prayers. If you're looking for a way to be more intentional in your prayer this Lent this is a great way to start!

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Diocese of San Joaquin,
 
As many of us are aware at this moment the protests in the Capital have turned violent – even damaging the capital and making entrance in an apparent attempt to disrupt the certification of the election. As Christians we are people of order and peace and I bid you to join me in prayer for an end to violent protest and a restoration of order in the smooth transition of power which marks the very foundation of our democracy.   Let us pray…
 
“O God of Grace and Mercy, we pray your hand of peace to rest upon our nation’s capital. We pray for order to be restored and for the protection of our lawmakers. Even as we bid your peace dear Lord we pray for unity – that our identity as Christians first and citizens second will override our partisan ideology. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ who is the true lawmaker and redeemer. Amen.” 

​Here's an entry for the Nashotah House Advent Devotional that was written by one of our seminarians, Micah Hogan. We hope it better helps you to prepare for the coming of Christ!

​Here's an entry for the Nashotah House Advent Devotional that was written by one of our seminarians, Jack Franicevich. We hope it better helps you to prepare for the coming of Christ!