NORTH FLORIDA: Former Episcopalians to Form New Anglican Diocese

By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
2/12/2009

A new Anglican diocese is expected to emerge out of talks among former Episcopalians who have either been deposed or left The Diocese of Florida as well as others as part of the on-going realignment in the Anglican Communion.

"We have the options of applying to become a diocese immediately or to become a ‘diocese in formation’ under Anglican Church in North America (ACNA. We hope to have just over 20 parishes represented there when we meet" he told VOL."There are advantages and disadvantages for each option, but there a clear consensus that we will become a diocese as soon as we can do so responsibly. AMiA and REC parishes will be a part of the process, while remaining under their current jurisdictions, with the commitment to allbeing partners in local ministry."

"The Anglican Alliance of North Florida and South Georgia will meet February 28 to begin the process of forming a diocese with some 20 rectors expected to be in attendance with two more congregations who may join us soon," said The Rev. Neil G. Lebhar, rector of Church of the Redeemer (Anglican) in Jacksonville, whose parish is under the ecclesiastical authority of The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.

Lebhar said there had already been strong ecumenical cooperation among a number of ministries including work that has been done together in Anglican 4th Day (previously Cursillo), Dynamos (previously Happening), a summer camp, continuing education, clergy fellowship, and Alliance Pentecost worship gatherings.

22 Congregations with 47 Clergy presently make up the Anglican Alliance.

A list of clergy and parishes can be found on the following page:

http://www.anglicanalliancenf.org/congregations.htm

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