27 young Anglican seminarians and newly-ordained clergy from across the world visited the Anglican Communion office in London.
The visit is part of the two-week Canterbury Scholars Programme at Canterbury Cathedral. The programme, which is now in its 14th year, provides opportunities for Anglicans and Episcopalians from around the Communion to pray study and live together in community. It is also a chance to explore and share different aspects of faith in different cultural contexts and reflect on serving the Anglican Communion in various parts of the world.
The visitors got the chance to learn more about the work of the Anglican Communion Office from staff members.
The group was enthusiastic about the conference.
“It’s been a game changer for me.” said Michael Horvath, who is about to go into his third year at the General Theological Seminary in New York City.”I have developed a greater understanding of the breadth and scope of the Communion and the issues that face us globally.”
Mdudzi Mathe – a third year student from the College of Transfiguration in Grahamstown, South Africa -- has also appreciated getting a more global perspective.
“It’s been encouraging to see how we all face similar challenges. We share the same problems and so we have been learning from each other.”
Revd Mercy Mwaniki was ordained in 2012 and works in a children’s home at Embu in Kenya. She said the conference would benefit her ministry.
“It has been so productive. And it is a great privilege to come to the roots of the Anglican Communion. “
She particularly enjoyed the pilgrimage at Canterbury Cathedral.
“That was very special for me. I come from a Low Church background so it was very different.”
Revd Melvin Bautista from St Andrew’s Theological Seminary in Manila in the Philippines was ordained two years ago. He described the trip as ‘very enlightening’.
“You see the hand of God over the whole world here. You see people from other places on the same journey and how God is working in them.”
The guests came from 16 countries: Australia, Burundi, Canada, England, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Philippines, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Swaziland, Tanzania, United States, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Before visiting the ACO, they met the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth Palace. They also attended the Eucharist celebrated by Archbishop Justin.