Anglican Communion News Service

Mexico has become the first Communion Province to adopt the Anglican Communion Covenant following its VI General Synod in Mexico City on 11 and 12 June.

Secretary General Kenneth Kearon said he was delighted at the decision and labelled The Anglican Church of Mexico's decision as a "significant step" in the life of the Communion.

The Anglican Communion Covenant, a document that outlines the common life and values of the Communion, was described by Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams as "Something that helps us know where we stand together and also helps us to intensify our fellowship and our trust." It includes a section that proposes how to address significant disagreements within the Anglican Communion.

The idea of a Covenant was first raised in 2004 and member churches are currently reviewing the latest and final version. "We are delighted to hear that Mexico has agreed to adopt the Covenant," said Canon Kearon. "Provinces were asked to take their time to seriously consider this document, and we are glad to hear from recent synods that they are doing just that."

Ends

For more information contact Mr Jan Butter on jan.butter@anglicancommunion.org

Notes to Editors

• The Mexican Episcopal Church symbolically began with Mexico's war for independence in 1810. Religious reform in 1857 secured freedom of religion, separating the Roman Catholic Church from government and politics. In 1860, the newly formed Church of Jesus contacted the Episcopal Church in the United States, seeking leadership, guidance, and support. In 1958, the fourth missionary Bishop of Mexico was the first of the Church's Bishops to be consecrated on Mexican soil. The Church became an autonomous Province of the Anglican Communion in 1995. http://www.iglesiaanglicanademexico.org/
• The Anglican Communion Office serves the Anglican Communion, comprising around 80 million members in 44 regional and national member churches around the globe in more than 160 countries. http://www.anglicancommunion.org/

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• Church of Ireland General Synod Votes to Subscribe the Anglican Covenant (May 13, 2011)
• Province of South East Asia adopts the Anglican Communion Covenant (May 8, 2011)