Over 900 church members, ecumenical partners, and international dignitaries attended a four day conference called “Assembly 2014” that culminated in the 10am service at the Basilica of the St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. During the service, Archbishop Beach delivered the sermon, encouraging the Church to move boldly forward into the future, and asking for prayer as he begins this new season of ministry:
“I count it a privilege and a sacred trust to have been elected as your next archbishop, and I ask your prayers for Allison and me as we begin this new adventure together in our obedience to Jesus Christ.”
“Our responsibility is to be faithful and diligent in preaching the Word; it is up to the Holy Spirit’s timing for that Word to bear fruit. Some of us will preach the word with sermons. Some of us will do this with service. Some of us will do this with sacrifice.”
After becoming the official head of the Anglican Church in North America, Archbishop Beach was handed the Primatial cross; a symbol of the Archbishop’s office and authority.
Dr. Beach, bishop of the Diocese of the South, is from Atlanta, Georgia and was unanimously elected by the College of Bishops on Sunday, June 22, 2014, during a three-day conclave in the Basilica crypt.
A formal service of investiture will take place in Atlanta, Georgia the evening of October 9, 2014 with expected attendance and participation by archbishops and bishops from throughout the global Anglican family.
The Anglican Church in North America unites 983 churches and 112,000 members across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Media Contact
The Rev. Andrew Gross, Director of Communications
Email: andrew.gross@anglicanchurch.net
Recessional following Closing Eucharist and Transfer of Authority:
Question & Answers with Archbishop Foley:
