Canterbury was an inspiring location for our 2008 AGM

Members of the Society had the pleasure of attending our Annual General Meeting in new surroundings this year at Canterbury Cathedral.


The sight of this historic structure, partially surrounded by scaffolding in the middle of a major capital campaign, was a strong visual reminder of our heritage in the Anglican Communion.

Society President, Bishop Philip Poole, reminded members that the Society traces its beginning to a meeting held at Old Palace in Canterbury, 15 years earlier.  He welcomed new members and spoke of the Society's study trip to Salisbury Cathedral that took place following last year's meeting.  President Poole acknowledged the remarkable ministry of the late Bishop Beetge, a strong friend and partner of the Compass Rose Society.

The Society recognized the outstanding work of two departing members of the Anglican Communion Office staff by presenting them with honourary life memberships in the Society.  Deirdre Martin and Jim Rosenthal have made immense contributions to the Society and we look forward to their continued presence among us.

In his report to the Society, Secretary General Kenneth Kearon described his visit to the two Anglican Communion churches in the Philippines, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente and the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.  He relayed to Society members powerful examples of gospel ministry in the midst of adversity.  This theme was repeated when he also described his visit to Harare, Zimbabwe in the Province of Central Africa.

Canon Kearon further updated members on the theological textbook project that the Society has supported, as a result of a request from the Archbishop of Canterbury.  To date, the Society has sent collections of 40 important texts to some 30 seminaries throughout the Anglican Communion.

Society Board member Bishop Victoria Matthews and guest Bishop Clive Handford presented a first hand account of the work of the Windsor Continuation Group.

Elections to the Board of Directors were held, resulting in Mr. Norris Battin, the Rev. Jan Naylor Cope, the Rt. Rev. George Councell, the Rev. Rick Lord, the Rev. Sarah Buxton-Smith and Ms. Antonia Wong Tuen-Yee being welcomed to the Board by President Poole.

Dean Willis of Canterbury Cathedral spoke to the meeting about how the whole Communion has a sense of ownership of the Cathedral.  He explained that this had been particularly evident and was encouraged during the Lambeth Conference when the precincts were closed to all but the bishops for two days. 
Dean Willis then took members on a tour of the Cathedral and Deanery, clearly displaying his ministry of hospitality and welcome to all pilgrims.

Bishop Pat Harris spoke to the Society about the important work of the International Anglican Families Network.

The high point of the Society's Annual Meeting has always been the address by the Archbishop of Canterbury.  This year was no different.  Although he was addressing a room which contained a variety of different viewpoints from within the Communion, Archbishop Rowan managed to convey the impression that he was very much speaking "en famille".

He was upfront about the tensions in the Communion stating "I won't hide it.  You know about it.  We pray about it."  Archbishop Rowan spoke of church politics not dictating what we can do in terms of mission.  He pointed to the importance of the Millenium Development Goals that were highlighted during Lambeth 2008.  Following his address, the Archbishop answered questions from Society members.

Members then moved into the Cathedral for prayers around the Compass Rose that is set into the nave floor there. 
  The Rev. Canon Chuck Robertson read from John's gospel, prayers were offered by a number of members and the Archbishop invoked a blessing upon the assembled members and their pledges toward the ministry of the Society for the upcoming year.

The meetings concluded with dinner Saturday evening and a Eucharist on Sunday morning at Eastbridge Hospital.  Some members also attended the Remembrance Day service at Canterbury Cathedral.  From there, members parted ways, with some going on to a study trip in Cyprus and others returning home.

Dates have not yet been set for next year's meeting, but it appears likely that it will take place during the first week of October in London.