The Special Counsel serves as an advisor to the Archbishop and the College of Bishops regarding legal issues, canon law, and international affairs. He will continue to work closely with our provincial chancellors and serve as chair the Governance Task Force of the province.
Archbishop Foley commented, “Canon Phil has already been serving the Church in a similar capacity over the last several years, and I am thankful that he has accepted this appointment. The College of Bishops and I are incredibly blessed to have his expertise available to us.”
Canon Ashey earned an undergraduate degree from Stanford University in Political Philosophy, a law degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, and a degree in canon law from Cardiff University Wales with Distinction. He served as a Deputy District Attorney in Orange County, California before attending seminary. During his theological studies, he also served as research assistant in Corporate Litigation at Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City. Ashey is also the author of Anglican Conciliarism: How the Church Meets and Decides Together (2016, Anglican House) and serves as the president and CEO of the American Anglican Council.
“I am honored by Archbishop Foley’s request to serve as his Special Counsel and to continue this work on a more official basis. The challenges we face internationally and at home are great as we grow the Anglican Church in North America— but the goodness, grace, and faithfulness of our Lord are greater by far,” said Ashey.
