Members of the Compass Rose Society (CRS) met in London this week for their Annual General Meeting, held at One Whitehall Place (21-22 October). Founded in 1994, the Compass Rose Society exists to support the life of the Anglican Communion, through the Anglican Communion Office and international role of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Hosted by the Society’s President, the Rt Revd Daniel G.P. Gutiérrez, CRS members spent time in prayer, received reports from the CRS Board and Chapters, and listened to contributions from international guests, with some joining virtually (this included the Most Revd Don Tamihere, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia).
On Wednesday 22 October, the members were addressed by the Rt Revd Anthony Poggo, the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion. Staff at the Anglican Communion Office also gave updates about the Secretariat's work in the last year. Thanking the CRS member for their support, Bishop Anthony said: ‘Our relationship with the Compass Rose Society is deeply valued. As I look around the room, I see a group of people that share a deep passion for this global family of churches that we call the Anglican Communion. It is a joy to be part of a Christian family that’s present in over 165 countries worldwide, sharing the Good News of the Christian faith and working for transformation across the globe.’
Looking ahead to 2026, The Secretary General remarked that the Anglican Communion Office was looking forward to working with the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE. He also pointed to the importance of the next meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council, which will gather in Belfast, in 2026 and invite Anglicans from the Member Churches of the Anglican Communion.
Concluding his speech, The Secretary General said, ‘At a time when the world feels increasingly polarised and scarred by conflict, poverty, and injustice, it's vital that we do all that we can to help Anglican churches build and maintain relationships, so that we can work together globally. Let us pray that together, the Anglican Communion can be a voice of hope as we share the Good News of the Gospel in the communities we serve.’
An unexpected highlight capped the Society's day of business on 21 October: during the evening dinner, members were delighted by a surprise visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury-Designate, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE. The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, also attended.
Formally closing the two-day meeting, CRS President, The Rt Revd Daniel Gutierrez expressed his gratitude to the CRS members as important partners in the ministry and mission of the Anglican Communion. Encouraging them to look outwards to the needs of the world, he urged ‘the church only grows when it goes.' He also invited members to tell others about the ministry of the Anglican Communion saying, ‘We want to open up Compass Rose Society so that all voices are at the table.’
In 2026, members of the Compass Rose Society will join a pilgrimage to the Anglican Church in Central America, hosted by the Primate, the Most Revd David Alvarado.
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