The conclave cometh

New ACNA Archbishop to be elected this week

Tonight in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, birthplace of golfing great Arnold Palmer, the bishops of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) begin the process of selecting the next archbishop of the province. Chosen from among their own number, the new primate will succeed Archbishop Foley Beach, who has ably led the province for the last decade. The selection process is relatively simple on the surface. The bishops will meet in conclave to pray, study the Scriptures, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit until which time they come to a common mind on the man God has chosen for the office.

Behind this relatively cut and dry process, however, are the prayers of countless clergy and laity throughout the ACNA and, one dares to assume, the wider Christian world. The new primate will face numerous challenges right off the bat, not the least of which will be shepherding the continuing reformation of Anglicanism in North America, bringing the still fledgling province into full obedience to the will of God.

Little more needs to be said about the occasion at this moment, other than to say that it is upon us and the prayers we have already been lifting up over the last few months should now be offered with a bit more intensity. As we enter the home stretch, however, let us do so with confidence in the power of God to raise up the right man for the right time.

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of the bishops of our Church who shall choose a new Archbishop and Primate for this Province, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will preach the Gospel, defend the faith, care for your people, equip us for ministry, and lead us forth in fulfillment of the Great Commission; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Adapted from BCP 2019)