ACC-6 Resolutions
The Anglican Consultative Council met for the sixth time in 1984 in Badagry, Nigeria. ACC-6 affirmed the original four Marks of Mission that continue to shape Anglican mission worldwide.
The resolutions agreed at ACC-6 address ecumenical dialogue, mission and evangelism, the governance and pastoral life of the Member Churches, and the Communion's response to the concerns of the time. Each resolution is listed below. Open the accordion to read any entry in full.
Recognizing the need of the Council to ‘make some priority decisions among the wide range of expectations of the various provinces’, and the need to maintain a sense of vision and strategy about its overall task, the Council recommends that the Standing Committee draw up a short list of such priorities keeping in mind resources available in other churches in the ecumenical movement (from among those listed page 33) in preparation for ACC-7 and as a guide to the Secretary General in planning his work over the next four years.
Recognizing the great importance of close and easy relationships between the ACC and the Archbishop of Canterbury and his staff at Lambeth Palace the Council recommends that regular inter-staff meetings should continue to take place.
Desiring to strengthen ways in which ACC members can promote understanding of the ACC in their own provinces this Council recommends that all delegates should have adequate and face to face opportunity to report back to their provincial Standing Committee and other appropriate bodies and synods and that the Secretary General should consider ways in which he can maintain a regular and more personal contact with all members between meetings.
This Council recommends the Secretary General and the Standing Committee, to ensure that all Council meetings should include time for adequate fellowship and sharing of information about one another and the provinces from which the delegates come.
The Council recommends that the Standing Committee review the provision made for members whose first language is not English, and others who find participation difficult, before the end of ACC-6, and make such changes in the programme for ACC-7 as seem appropriate.
This Council recommends that ACC members and staff should continue to take a full part in ecumenical reflection, inter-church dialogue, and to act as a focus for Anglican involvement world wide in ecumenical activities.
Believing that ACC is a ‘synod of pilgrims’, united by faith in the Risen Christ, this Council recommends that first priority be given to worship and prayer together at all our gatherings so that vision and openness to God’s will be steadily sustained.
Aware that there are many human resources in all parts of our Communion this Council recommends that the Secretary General further explore the use of qualified volunteers drawn from different sections of the Communion to work under the leadership of the ACC staff in different aspects of the life of the ACC.
Knowing that there is a growing concern in member provinces about their relationships with each other and about ecumenical involvement this Council recommends that the Secretary General further explore the availability of seconded staff from provinces, dioceses and missionary societies to strengthen staff support for studies, meetings and consultation.
In order to encourage greater discipline in the use of human and monetary resources this Committee requests that proposals for new programmes or studies should be accompanied by:
a. indications of their use in the communion;
b. identification of staff or others who will execute them;
c. their approximate cost; and
d. likely source or sources of their financing.
This Council strongly urges all local churches, deaneries or archdeaconries, dioceses and provinces to carry out a mission audit making use of the following guidelines:a. Evangelism To what extent is the Church enabling the laity to realize that they should be the forefront missionaries? Has the Church helped to equip the laity for evangelism? How effective are the present methods of evangelism and how can they be made even more effective? To what extent is the Church making use of various models of evangelism from other traditions, while at the same time rediscovering and maintaining an Anglican ethos? To what extent is the Church sharing in replanning evangelism with Churches of other traditions? Have the full-time evangelists been made to feel inferior to the ordained ministers? How can this be rectified in the future? How effectively is the Church using electronic media and technology?
b. Response and initiation Are the present Anglican practices of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist a hindrance or a help to the mission of the Church?
c. Christian Nurture and Teaching How effectively has the Church helped the laity to learn more about the Scriptures and Christian doctrines? Do Christians understand fully the purpose and meaning of Sacraments? Evaluate the present Sunday School system and discuss the possibility of including all ages. Evaluate the present use and future possibilities of electronic media, especially cassettes and video. Are theological colleges and Bible Schools effectively preparing their students for mission? Is the context of preaching and teaching born out of deep conviction of the gospel, related to the needs of the people and relevant to where they are? In Sunday worship, is there a good balance between the Ministry of the Word and the Ministry of Sacraments? The Ministry of Spoken Word (and praise) and the Ministry of Silence and the use of creative arts? Are ordination rites and services of institution expressing clearly the shared nature of ministry? etc.
d. Service and Transformation To what extent has the Church accepted social responsibility as part of our mission to the world? What issues are arising from the churches’ involvement in community development? Are there areas of duplication with what government and other church agencies are doing? Are the poor communities involved in the decision-making process of the development programmes in their areas? With regard to evaluating present development programmes, and in assessing their future, are Christians well equipped in understanding their responsibility as citizens of their country and in struggling for a just, viable and participatory society? (See MISAG p.38 and Appendix C).
This Council requests the new MISAG in planning its first meeting, preferably in Australia, to invite all mission agencies who are prepared to fund a representative to participate. The Conference should reflect on the data gathered, aim at building trust and understanding, and as far as possible lay the foundation for more co-ordinated response to the PIM process and overall mission strategy. The Conference should have a significant presence if official representatives of the Churches in whose mission the mission agencies are participants. We recommend that the Conference be funded, as far as possible, by the mission agencies participating.
This Council receives with thanks the interim report of MISAG and hereby authorizes MISAG to continue as an Advisory Group on Mission issues and strategy. We further recommend that, subject to the availability of funds, the group be reconstituted by the Standing Committee so that the many dimensions of the Church’s life that impinge upon its mission are more adequately represented. We further resolve that the following be considered as terms of reference of the reconstituted MISAG:i. To review mission issues with special reference to the theology of the mission of the Church.
ii. To review the ecumenical dimension of mission and to find ways and means for collaboration with other Christian bodies in mission.
iii. To review mission strategy and in particular mission responsibilities of member churches. To identify exceptional needs and opportunities for mission and suggest appropriate actions .
iv. To review the PIM process and the response of PIM by provinces. (We commend Appendix A of the MISAG report to all provinces.)
v. To study the Church’s participation in development and social transformation.
The Council resolves that the following issues arising from the Mission and Ministry Report be considered for study in Provinces in the next three years, and also that the Agenda for ACC-7 take them into account in preparation for Lambeth 1988.
1. Indigenization (p.70-72)
2. The local church and evangelism (p.55-2.1, p.69-7.1)
3. Baptismal Discipline (p.57-58, 3.1-3.3)
4. Admission of children to Communion prior to Confirmation (p.58-3.4)
5. Confirmation as commissioning for ministry and service (p.72-7.4)
6. The Development of Contemporary Catechisms (p.57 3.1, p.72, 7.4)
7. Theological Education by Extension (TEE) and the sharing of resources between Provinces (p.59-4(a), p.72-7.4)
8. The use of electronic media and technology (p.60-4(f)).
9. Community Development Strategies (p.62-5.3)
10. Non-stipendiary and local ministry and Presidency at the Eucharist (p.73-76- 7.6, 7.7)
11. Reviewing the Diaconate (p.77-7.9)
12. The Ministry of Bishops (p.72-7.5).
We welcome the report on the literature needs of the Francophone dioceses, and affirm the decision of the Office of the Secretary General to compile a select list of sound theological works and reference materials. We further affirm the decision to produce a simple ‘primer’ on Anglicanism recognizing that the issues raised in this report apply with equal urgency to some other Anglican provinces where access to English languages resources is difficult.
In preparation for Lambeth 1988 the Council recommends that serious consideration be given to the role of the healing ministry in Scripture, together with its actual functioning, relevance and potential importance in today’s Church and its mission.
Be it resolved that ACC-6 requests that this section of the report dealing with Anglican-Roman Catholic marriages be sent to the Secretariat for Christian Unity in Rome for their earnest consideration.
Be it resolved that this ACC-6 requests the Council for Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA) to study the issue of polygamy and the Christian family further in both its theological and pastoral dimensions and asks CAPA to co-ordinate the studies and to make available its findings to the Lambeth Conference of 1988.
Be it resolved that ACC-6 request the Secretary General to promote a new study or studies of Christian marriage and family life in contemporary society, so that this issue can become a major topic for the Lambeth Conference in 1988.
Be it resolved that ACC-6:
a. Recommends that our Communion seek direct contact with the Roman Catholic Church (the ACC with the Secretariat for Non-Christian Religions in Rome) and the World Council of Churches to explore the possibility of establishing joint international dialogue between Christians and the World Muslim Federation. Areas that could be examined would include ways in which the two communities can the better live together, the application of Sharia, mutual respect, etc.
b. Recommends that a statement be made by the Archbishop of Canterbury, with other Church leaders as appropriate, when a serious situation occurs, such as the one in the Sudan. (The effect of this is to raise the issue to a higher profile as well as giving encouragement to people involved in the particular situation).
c. Recommends that should an invitation come from the Church in Sudan, the Archbishop of Canterbury in conjunction with the Secretary General of ACC appoint a team from our Communion to make a visit to the Sudan.
d. Recommends that all member churches be responsive to the special needs of the Church in Sudan, giving support in prayer, through visits and by all other means that are appropriate.
e. Recommends to the Secretary General of ACC that the Secretary for Mission and Social Concerns be asked to take a special concern for this particular issue.
Be it resolved that ACC-6 request the Secretary General and the Standing Committee to commission several booklets or book-length studies. Such a study is particularly recommended in the area of moral reasoning: in Anglican theology and practice what are the theological and practical understandings which best guide us as we seek to offer insight and guidance in areas of moral decision? Other suggested areas are: Authority in the Church The Authority and Interpretation of Scripture in Anglicanism The Charismatic Movement in Anglicanism Anglicanism and Indigenization STUDY OF THE FACTORS LEADING TO CHURCH GROWTH IN AREAS OF THE COMMUNION WHERE THAT
The Council receives the Report Steps Towards Unity, commends it to the member Churches and:
a. invites them to respond to its treatment of unity by stages for ACC-7 in preparation for the Lambeth Conference 1988;
b. encourages the churches to study the Report’s exposition of Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry, the ARCIC Final Report, and God’s Reign and our Unity in the belief that this will assist the churches in responding to the questions put to them about these ecumenical texts.
In the light of its consideration of the implication of full communion the Council asks:
a. member provinces which do not ordain women to consider taking steps to allow women lawfully ordained in other provinces to celebrate the Eucharist on particular occasions during temporary visits in accordance with customary disciplines and courtesies which apply to visiting male clergy;
b. the Secretary General to provide the provinces with a summary of the decisions reached by each province on the ordination of women and information about the experience of those provinces which have been ordaining women to the priesthood for a number of years.
In the light of its consideration of the implications of full communion the Council welcomes the proposed invitation to representatives of the United Churches in full communion and other churches in full communion, to discuss the question of membership of the Lambeth Conference at the Primates’ Meeting due to be held in March 1986.
The Council commends the Report of the Anglican/Lutheran Working Group Anglican- Lutheran Relations, to the member Churches and on its basis:
a. recommends that Anglican Churches should officially encourage the practice of eucharistic hospitality to Lutherans – if this is not already authorized where pastoral need exists and when ecumenical situations make this appropriate;
b. recommends that as a further step towards full communion, where there is already some degree of mutual ecclesial recognition based on agreement in faith and a commitment to unity, the churches should consider making provision for appropriate forms of ‘interim eucharistic sharing’ along the lines of that authorized in the USA and recommended in Europe;
c. endorses the proposals for closer collaboration between the ACC and the Lutheran World Federation and their staff set out in Anglican-Lutheran Relations Recommendations II a-f as financial circumstances may permit.
The Council looks forward to the forthcoming Anglican/Orthodox Agreed Statement, reiterates the importance of this dialogue, and recommends that a new Commission be constituted after the completion of the present phase of the Anglican/Orthodox Joint Doctrinal Discussions using the new Anglican/Roman Catholic commission as a possible model for size and geographical spread.
The Council welcomes the proposed informal meeting with representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches proposed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Council requests:
a. Provinces which have not already done so to prepare a response to the ARCIC Final Report for ACC-7 in preparation for the Lambeth Conference 1988;
b. The Secretary General and his staff to consider how provinces can be assisted in the study and interpretation of the ARCIC Final Report, especially in churches where English is not spoken as a first language;
c. That there should be a further meeting of ecumenical officers before ACC-7 to begin the task of collating the responses of the provinces to ARCIC and other ecumenical dialogues.
Affirming the ecumenical role of the Anglican Centre in Rome, the Council believes the time is ripe for some evaluation of its purpose and constitution; and requests the Secretary General to call together a small review group for this purpose, to report for ACC-7.
The Council warmly welcomes the Report of the Anglican/Reformed International Commission God’s Reign and Our Unity and commends it to the churches for study, requesting a response for ACC-7.
The Council commends to the provinces for discussion the Report of the visit of Anglican Ecumenical Officers to the WCC and recommends that a staff member of the ACC pay regular visits to the Ecumenical Centre to improve communication between the WCC and the member churches and vice-versa.
a. Resolved that the Council deeply regrets that the consecration of the Presiding Bishop of the Church of England in South Africa by the Archbishop of Sydney took place before full discussion of its implications for the whole Communion at ACC-6.
b. welcomes the declaration of intention that the consecration was carried out on the understanding that the CPSA and CESA are committed to reconciliation which was a feature of the service and hopes and prays this reconciliation will indeed take place.
Resolved that the Council send a message of thanks and good wishes to Dr Philip Potter, General Secretary of the WCC, as he approaches his retirement.
In view of the fact that a reduction in the ecumenical budget of £15,000 for 1986 would entail the serious curtailment of the work of the Anglican Centre in Rome or the cancellation of the proposed first meeting of a newly constituted Anglican/Orthodox Commission or the cancellation of the scheduled meeting of ARCIC II together with continuation of working groups with the Lutherans and the Reformed; and in view of the fact that the ecumenical dialogues should not be curtailed by unilateral Anglican action, we recommend that the Standing Committee be authorized to restore as much as is necessary of the £15,000 to maintain the ecumenical commitment of the Council if the special appeal meet with success. Resolution 35 Resolved that the Council receives the record of section IV and Report.
Resolved that the Council, noting that ‘Christianity and the Social Order’ is on the ACC agenda for the first time, and will be on the agenda of ACC-7 and the 1988 Lambeth Conference, encourages provinces to refer local social issues which have international implications for possible consideration at ACC-7.
Believing that the gospel imperative requires God’s children to work for peace with justice in the world, the Council:
i. Welcomes
a. Statements on peace made by the 1978 Lambeth Conference, the 1983 Anglican Primates’ Meeting, the 1983 Uppsala L
b. Initiatives which have been undertaken by various dioceses and provinces of the Anglican communion in the area o
c. The establishment of an Anglican peace network for sharing information;
d. The establishment of the Life and Peace Institute located in Sweden, assuring those involved of its prayers and
a. To consider placing the issue of peace with justice as a top priority in their mission and ministry;
b. To share through the ACC studies and resources both material and human in this peacemaking ministry.
iii. Reco
a. The ACC booklet ‘Peace and Peacemaking’ with an appropriate introduction, table of contents and a chapter on sov
b. The WCC publication ‘Violence, Non-violence and Civil Conflict’;
c. A study guide on the above-mentioned documents.
The Council:
i.
a. Thanks God for the leadership of the Archbishop of Canterbury in his decision, with the support of the Archbishop of Cape Town and the Bishop of Namibia, to send a delegation on a pastoral visit to Namibia;
b. Thanks those persons who comprised the delegation and produced Namibia: A report to the Archbishop of Canterbury on the visit of an Anglican Delegation October 12-26, 1983, and commends this report for study and action;
c. Notes that several recommendations in the Report have been, or are in the course of being, implemented;
d. Welcomes the message of encouragement to the people of Namibia sent on 4th May 1984 by the Bishops of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa.
ii. Directs the Secretary General to communicate with the provinces on the following:
a. The need to convey the findings of the report together with photographs and other illustrative material, to their respective governments (where this has not already been done) and to encourage them to press for the urgent implementation of UN Resolution 435;
b. The need to encourage their respective government to co-operate with the Church of Namibia in providing resources for the educational advancement of Namibians and for the material support of refugees from Namibia;
c. The desirability, as deemed appropriate, of giving support to the views expressed by the Namibian Council of Churches.
iii. Assures the Church in Namibia of our continued prayers and support.
Recognizing that the report ‘Refugees: A Pastoral Challenge for Anglicans’ presents a well documented case study of both refugee ministries as they exist in various provinces and of the urgent and continuing need throughout the Communion for these ministries; and that the Primates’ Meeting in Kenya in 1983 requested further involvement in refugee ministry throughout the Communion; and that acute problems of displacement, homelessness and isolation now directly affect many people including Anglicans in no fewer than seven provinces, and to some degree those in virtually every other province, the ACC at its Sixth Meeting:
i. Commends the said report for careful consideration of all church members and groups as they begin studies for involvement in refugee ministry, and recommends that all dioceses be notified of the availability of the full report through their provincial office;
ii.
a. Requests each primate to identify one or two individuals as refugee contacts, already aware of and involved in r
b. Further, requests each province through its refugee contact to identify to the ACC those persons within their ar
a. Requests each province to promote education about and involvement in refugee/migration ministry through the use
b. Further requests that provinces encourage their dioceses to be involved at the parochial level by discussion and
a. Encourages each province to consider establishing a Day of Observance for commending ministry to ‘the refugee, t
b. Requests assessment by the ACC of the liturgical and mission implications in relation to 1978 Lambeth Conference
v. Endorses and encourages further co-ordination, consultation and action on refugee/migration issues with the Anglican Communion, with partner communions, with ecumenical agencies and with governments within their respective provinces, to alleviate human suffering and to determine and eliminate root causes which lead to forced migration and create refugees. A report on this co-ordination should be presented to ACC-7.
The Council commends to the Lambeth Conference 1988 Planning Committee the inclusion of the family in society as a major concern, so that the conference can compare contemporary family patterns with 1958, when the family in society was the theme of the Lambeth Conference.
The Council:
i. Endorses and encourages further co-ordination and consultation on refugee/migration and development issues both within the Anglican Communion and with partner communions;
ii. Seeks to foster a wider ecumenical dialogue and co-operation among communions on the international level to address the social, political and economic crisis in Central America;
iii. Encourages the churches of the Anglican Communion, where possible, to establish a dialogue on Central America with their respective governments to the end of addressing human need and pressing for an end to the tension, war and violence in the area.
The Council:
i. Welcomes and adopts the initiative of the Primates’ Meeting in Limuru 1983 to explore non-governmental organization (NGO) affiliation with the United Nations
ii. Requests that the Secretary General proceed with the necessary application procedures for NGO Observer affiliation with the United Nations.
iii. Requests that the Secretary General develop a plan for observer status, identify the most economical form of participation such as the possible use of volunteers and seconded staff from the Episcopal Church in the United States; and report the progress to the Standing Committee and ACC-7.
iv. Accepts with gratitude the offer of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America to provide office space and seconded staff during the period of initial contact.
The Council resolves: The three vacancies for co-opted members (one woman, one youth under 28, one general) be filled by the Standing Committee with first consideration being given to suitable persons from areas of our Church not represented on the Council (e.g. Korea, Iberian Churches, Bermuda).
Acting on information received of action by Section HI the Council resolves that the following provinces be given the opportunity to nominate members to the Council of the Anglican Centre in Rome: On a continuing basis: Canada, USA, West Indies New Provinces: Australia, Japan, Nigeria it being understood that neither the Council of the Centre nor the Anglican Consultative Council is able to cover any travelling expenses involved.
Having been invited to nominate a representative to be on the Board of St George’s College Jerusalem, the Council resolves that the Standing Committee be asked to give consideration to the appointment of a representative on the Board of St George’s College, Jerusalem and be given power to act.
The Council resolves that the following Bye-law to be numbered 6 be added to the Council’s Bye-laws pursuant to Clause 7(a) and 8 of the Constitution of the Anglican Consultative Council: In the event of a casual vacancy occurring in the membership of the Standing Committee between Council meetings the Standing Committee itself shall have power to appoint a member of the Council of the same order as the representative who filled the vacant place and such member shall have full voting rights for the remainder of the term of service of the former member. Such member shall, subject to his or her eligibility for continuing membership of the Council, be eligible for re-election to the Standing Committee at the next Council meeting. NOTE: Recommended Criteria to be Taken into Account in Nominations for the Standing Committee Accepted by ACC-6 Following Resolution 46 (ii) above concerning the filling of casual vacancies on the Standing Committee the Council, having accepted the criteria to be taken into account in making nominations for the Standing Committee (see below) urged the Standing Committee to take into consideration the said criteria in filling vacancies which might occur in the membership of the Standing Committee:
1. That there not be more than one person from any one province as an elected member of the Standing Committee.
2. That persons nominated should be able to organize their work so they can be reasonably sure of being able to attend Standing Committee meetings.
3. That efforts be made to achieve as balanced regional representation as possible.
4. That we seek to have a balance between bishops, clergy and lay persons and that women should be represented on the Committee.
5. That we seek to have representation from various segments of the Church’s work.
6. That consideration be given to provinces that have never been represented on the Standing Committee.
7. That persons nominated should have access to decision making bodies in their own church.
8. That persons nominated should have an interest in dealing with routine business issues
9. That preference be given to persons who will be attending two more Council meetings.
This Council resolves to change its budgeting and financial policy of having a single budget with income provided by the member churches, which means that the ability of the Council to respond to new challenges and opportunities is limited to a pattern which includes:
a. The ‘core’ budget which is supported directly by the contributions from the member churches.
b. The principle that any unbudgeted items of expenditure that may arise from time to time should not be borne by the ACC without prior approval by the Standing Committee.
c. Additional project budgets for projects approved by the Standing Committee for which special funding may be sought, it being understood that the projects cannot be undertaken until funds have been secured and the long term implications of each project on the core budget have been fully assessed and included in the projected budgetary process.
The Council resolves to approve the draft budgets for 1986 as set overleaf which restricts the contributions requested from member churches to no more than 8 of the previous year’s figure. The Council further resolved that the Standing Committee be empowered to amend this budget at its meeting next March if it should prove necessary in the light of response to the Appeal or changed circumstances but it should as far as possible keep increases in contributions from the member churches to no more than the current rate of inflation or 8%. The same principle should be applied as far as possible to the 1987 budget.
This Council resolves to authorize a special appeal (estimated to amount to £110,000) to its member churches, concerned persons and other sources designed to include rebuilding the General Reserve of the Council to a level of approximately £100,000 with a commitment to maintain the General Reserve at a level of one third of the annual central Secretariat expenses (at 1985, running at £281,000).
This Council resolves that the staff of the ACC explore the possibility of taking accommodation as part of the ‘Under One Roof scheme in London in consultation with Bishop Haggart, who is empowered to act on behalf of the Standing Committee together with one or two people as he chooses. If this is impractical, Bishop Haggart is empowered to explore with the staff other properties.
This Council authorizes the staff of ACC to contact the Bishop of Hong Kong and if he is personally supportive to the ACC meeting being held in Hong Kong in 1987, mutually suitable dates and venue be explored. If this is not possible a site in Wales should be explored, and the Standing Committee be authorized to make a decision at their meeting in March 1985.
The Council resolves that the Secretary General form a small committee, chosen by him in consultation with the Standing Committee from amongst those who have experienced ACC meetings, with the addition of others who have special competence in the subject, to review the procedures by which the Council handles the issues, (other than organizational and financial) that come on its agenda, with a view to restructuring procedures, for ACC-7 and, in the light of that meeting, advising the Archbishop of Canterbury on the procedures for Lambeth 1988.
Resolved that this Council, recognizing that deliberate and planned communication is essential for the building up of the community of the Church and is vital in assisting the witness of that community in telling the good news and discerning and interpreting the signs of the times:
a. Affirms the vital role of the ACC as a communication link, both between the churches of the Anglican Communion and between the Anglican Communion and its ecumenical partners;
b. Notes with gratitude the impact and positive reception of Anglican Information and Anglican Media Mailing and
i. expresses the hope that these services will continue and expand;
ii. that further outlets for them can be explor
c. Encourages each province and each diocese to select a person who can be responsible for receiving and sharing news and information and alerting the Communion to the issues, opportunities and training needs in that place;
d. Commends the publication of the Anglican Cycle of Prayer as a vital vehicle of information, prayer and fellowship; encourages its wider distribution and use; and encourages users to be in contact with those for whom they pray by letter or postcard;
e. Encourages the Secretary General to continue to foster network building among those who share a communications vocation in the service of the Church;
f. In recognition of the ecumenical dimension of Christian communication, encourages the Secretariat to seek full corporate membership in the World Association for Christian Communication and play an active part within that body;
g. Requests the Secretary General to investigate the training and development needs of the churches of the Anglican Communion in communication and to identify Anglican and ecumenical resources which can assist in meeting these needs;
h. Recommends that each church of the Anglican Communion give attention to the implications of the New World Information Order debate (as set out in the WACC study guide attached to the Communications Report) both as an issue of social justice and as it affects the dissemination of information to and from the Third World churches;
i. Encourages the Secretary General to continue to explore new possibilities for data sharing and the sharing of news, information and research, on behalf of the Communion and in fellowship with our ecumenical partners. It is understood that the above recommendations which involve expenditure of funds are subject to the limits of budget allocation.
Be it resolved that this Council authorize:
a. The implementation of a Youth Communication Network, co-ordinated by the Secretary General and his staff, that may enable the youth of each province to share their activities with Anglican youth around the world; and
b. That each member church be encouraged to name one or more Youth Representatives who will:i. Inform the Central Office of the Communication Network of youth activities, ideas and other common interests,
e. It is assumed that this can be part of the Communication Network already being developed with no addition to the budget.
Resolved, that this Council: Welcomes with gratitude Highways and Hedges, a study of developments in the Anglican Communion 1958-1982, prepared by Bishop John Howe as the first Research Fellow of the ACC in accordance with Resolution 37 of ACC-5.
Resolved that this Council:
a. Commends the Archbishop of Canterbury for his initiative in sending a delegation from across the Anglican Communion to the ELOFF Commission in response to a request from the Rt Revd Desmond Tutu, Secretary General of the South African Council of Churches; and
b. Thanks the members of the delegation for their witness: the Primus of Scotland, The Archbishop of New Zealand, the Hon Clive Harradance from Canada, Mrs Pamela Chinnis from the USA, and Mr Terry Waite, MBE.
Resolved that this Council notes with gratitude and regret the departure from its ranks of: Archbishop Edward Scott – Canada Bishop Joseph Mabula – Central Africa Bishop Ronald Bowlby – England Archbishop Manasses Kuria – Kenya Mr David Wylie – New Zealand The Hon Mr Justice O Akinkugbe – Nigeria Mrs Sylvia Swartz – Southern Africa Dr Silvia Roitberg – South America Miss Mary Brown – New Zealand Miss June Cuffley – West Indies Miss Cecilia Yoshimoto – Japan Each of these colleagues has served faithfully and has brought unique gifts to our work. All will continue in our thoughts and prayers and can be depended upon to continue to work for the Council, the Communion and their respective churches. We thank God for their work and continuing witness. Be it further resolved that the Secretary General be requested to convey a fair copy of this resolution to each of our retiring sisters and brothers.
Resolved, that this Council
a. Welcomes the presence and participation of our Ecumenical Partners: The Rt Revd Wayne Weissenbuehler – Lutheran World Federation The Most Revd Alexander Mar Thoma – Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar The Rt Revd Bishop Aristarchos of Zenoupolis – Orthodox Churches The Rt Revd Abdias de la Cruz, Philippine Independent Church The Very Revd Mgr Richard Stewart – Roman Catholic Church Mr Mazi Kanu Oji – World Alliance of Reformed Churches The Revd George Tsetsis – World Council of Churches whose counsel and advice have enriched and advanced our deliberations,
b. Requests that the Secretary General present a fair copy of this resolution to those mentioned by name.
F Resolved that this Council
a. Gives thanks and praise for the leadership, vision and expertise of the Secretary General, The Revd Canon Samuel Van Culin; and
b. Offers its deepest appreciation and commendation to the staff of the ACC, especially those who have facilitated this Sixth Meeting of the Council: The Revd George B Braund Mrs Christine Codner Miss Deirdre E Hoban Mr John K Martin the Revd Canon Howard Root Mr Michael C Sams Ms Vanessa Wilde, and
c. Expresses its gratitude to the co-opted Lambeth staff: The Revd Canon Christopher Hill Mrs Stella Taylor and Mr Terry Waite, MBE; and
d. Extends its appreciation to the consultants and section staff: The Rt Revd David Gitari the Revd Dr Jaci C Maraschin Mrs Faga Matalavea the Revd Canon Martin Reardon the Rt Revd Alexander Stewart the Revd Alan Nichols the Rt Revd Benjamin Nwankiti for their expertise and guidance, and
e. Notes with praise the presence and ministry of the communication and editorial staff: Mrs Ruth Nicastro the Revd Onell Soto Mr David Sumner the Revd Charles A Cesaretti and the Revd Dr Philip Turner, and
f. Requests that the Secretary General present a fair copy of this resolution to those mentioned by name.
Resolved, that this Anglican Consultative Council (6):
a. Expresses its appreciation to the administration and staff of the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) for their hospitality, their service and their attention to our needs during the meeting of this Council, with special thanks to those who have served us in the dining room and in tending to our housing;
b. Gives special thanks to Mr Remi-Fowokan who has provided exemplary and effective liaison with the staff of the Council in arranging our daily worship and our joint worship with the ASCON Christian community;
c. Requests that the Secretary General present a fair copy of this Resolution to those mentioned by name.
a. Expresses its appreciation and gratitude to the Anglican Church of Nigeria, and especially to the Most Revd Timothy Olufosoye the Archbishop of Nigeria, for the invitation to meet in Nigeria, for the hospitality, various arrangements and fellowship; and
b. Extends its thankfulness to the Rt Revd Festus O Segun, Bishop of Lagos, and the Provost and Congregation of Christ Church Cathedral, Lagos, for the opportunity to worship in the Cathedral Church and for their gracious hospitality in entertaining the Council; and
c. Offers its gratitude to the several bishops, clergy and parishes, which hosted delegates; and
d. Gives special thanks to the Revd Canon E Ayo Odukoya, Provincial Secretary, who has made many and varied arrangements, set our efficient reception at Lagos Airport, scheduled the transportation of our various corporate and individual trips, carried mail, found lost baggage, acted as ambulance driver, and catered to our many needs and concerns. he provided each and every one of us with hospitality, with grace and patience;
e. Sends greetings and appreciation to all those who have offered their time and talents to enable the work of this Council, especially Mrs Kate Emetu Miss Georgina Budede and Miss Ngozi Obasi
f. Requests that the Secretary General present a fair copy of this Resolution to those mentioned by name.
Click the links below to read all the resolutions from each ACC in full:
- ACC-18 (2023, Accra, Ghana)
- ACC-17 (2019, Hong Kong)
- ACC-16 (2016, Lusaka, Zambia)
- ACC-15 (2012, Auckland, New Zealand)
- ACC-14 (2009, Kingston, Jamaica)
- ACC-13 (2005, Nottingham, England)
- ACC-12 (2002, Hong Kong)
- ACC-11 (1999, Dundee, Scotland)
- ACC-10 (1996, Panama City, Panama)
- ACC-9 (1993, Cape Town, South Africa)
- ACC-8 (1990, Cardiff, Wales)
- ACC-7 (1987, Singapore)
- ACC-6 (1984, Badagry, Nigeria)
- ACC-5 (1981, Newcastle, England)
- ACC-4 (1979, London, Ontario, Canada)
- ACC-3 (1976, Trinidad)
- ACC-2 (1973, Dublin, Ireland)
- ACC-1 (1971, Limuru, Kenya)
