To All Active Lay and Ordained Members of the ACNA,
Periodically, the Provincial Office of the ACNA sends out a Provincial Notification to solicit your thoughts and feedback on key policies, resources, canonical, or other ecclesiastical matters that may concern you or your local parish.
As part of our shared Anglican commitment to uphold the principle, “what affects all is decided by all”, the spirit of these notifications is to welcome your prayerful insight and wisdom on matters and decisions that affect our common life together. This communication is to notify you of a proposed new amendment to the ACNA Canons.
Additional context is noted below with a link about how to offer your feedback. We consider it a privilege to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to members of our Provincial staff at comms@acna.org if you have any questions, concerns, or need additional guidance about how to contribute your voice to this process.
Please freely share and/or forward this note to anyone you believe may have interest in this matter in your diocese, parish, or other Anglican networks.
What is a Canon?
The Canons of the church are the ordinances, or laws, that guide the governance and structure of our provincial, diocesan, and parish life. You can access the full Constitution and Canons of the ACNA here.
Why and how do we change them?
Throughout the year a standing committee dedicated to reviewing the Constitution and Canons of the church meets to suggest necessary updates or revisions to address issues or clarifications that arise out of the ACNA’s practice of ministry.
What is my role in this?
Any proposed change to the canons is a theological undertaking as much as it is one involving canon lawyers working on clear language to address needed changes, so we covet your prayers over this process. Moreover, proposed changes undergo a thorough review process by the College of Bishops, the Executive Committee, and any active member of the ACNA, lay or clergy, including you!
What is important to know about these proposed changes?
The current proposed amendment seeks to clarify the role of the committee that manages and oversees the Canons of the Church by adding a new section to Title I, Canon 4, which better defines the roles, duties, and powers of that Committee.
How can I weigh in?
Click the button below to view a detailed memo from Rev. Canon Andrew Rowell, Esq. on behalf of the Governance Task Force (which oversees the revision and review process). It includes: a) further information about the review process ;b) deadlines for submitting your input, c) a redline copy of the proposed amendment, and d) information about where to direct your feedback.
