Delegates to the nineteenth meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC-19) heard from seven Anglican Networks on Thursday afternoon, July 2, in the second of a two-part session focused on the various networks of the Anglican Communion. Members of the ACC learned about the diverse ministries taking place across the Anglican Communion, including the work and future priorities of the networks. 

The Anglican Networks are voluntary groups supported by the Anglican Communion Office that connect Anglicans from across more than 165 countries. They bring together people with shared interests and ministries, encouraging collaboration, sharing resources and strengthening relationships throughout the Communion. 

The first three presentations, delivered in French, Portuguese and Spanish, reflected the rich linguistic diversity of the Anglican Communion. 

The Anglican Communion Francophone Network was represented by the Revd Steve Muneza, who is also Director of Anglican Formation at the Queen's Foundation in Birmingham. He explained that the network connects French-speaking Anglicans from around the world, with the view of helping provinces to share theological, liturgical and educational resources. The network exists to strengthen fellowship between churches that are often separated by geographical and linguistic isolation to collaborate, communicate and support one another in ministry. 

The Lusophone Network of the Anglican Communion was represented by the Rt Revd Jorge Pina Cabral, Bishop of the Lusitanian Church in Portugal and coordinator of the Lusophone Network. He spoke about the network's work in bringing together Portuguese-speaking Anglicans across Africa, Europe and South America. Current priorities include environmental stewardship, Christian education, social ministry, youth and women's ministries and strengthening communication between churches. Bishop Jorge also shared plans for greater collaboration over the coming years, including parish partnerships, youth exchanges and a proposed gathering in Portugal. There will also be an Annual celebration of Lusophone Network Day on the Feast of Christ the King in November. 

Jeroham Meléndez, a lay leader from the Anglican Church of the Central American Region (Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America), introduced the Anglican Communion Hispanophone Network, the most recently established Anglican Network, which was formally launched earlier this year. Jeroham described the network as a place where Spanish-speaking Anglicans can share resources, encourage one another and support ministry among the growing Hispanic communities found throughout the Anglican Communion. 

The Revd Canon Reid Simon, a cleric from the Church in the Province of the West Indies who advocates for conflict transformation, empathy in ecclesiastical dialogue and the eradication of gun violence presented the work of the Anglican Peace and Justice Network. Canon Reid reminded delegates that peace and justice are central to the Church's mission and reflected the Fourth Mark of Mission (Transform), calling Anglicans to challenge violence, pursue reconciliation and work for justice. Canon Simon spoke about the network's work in supporting Anglicans involved in peacebuilding around the world through prayer, collaboration, newsletters and online gatherings. He also highlighted the network's contribution to a number of resolutions before ACC-19, including those addressing environmental justice, women, war and peacebuilding and reconciliation. 

The work of the Anglican Indigenous Network (AIN) was presented by the Revd Rachel Taber-Hamilton, an Indigenous Episcopal priest, theologian, and the Vice President of the House of Deputies of the Episcopal Church. AIN connects and supports faithful Indigenous Anglicans who are minorities in their own lands and have historically suffered the effects of colonialism, occupation and marginalisation. She encouraged Member Churches of the Anglican Communion to support Indigenous communities by listening to Indigenous voices, investing in Indigenous theological education, promoting greater Indigenous participation in the life of the Communion, and responding to the climate challenges many Indigenous communities face.

Jo Chamberlain, National Environment Officer for the Church of England, then presented the work of the Anglican Communion Environmental Network. She spoke about the Communion Forest initiative, encouraging churches to care for creation through practical local projects including tree planting, forest protection and ecosystem restoration. Reflecting on this work, she said ‘To plant is to hope. To restore is to heal. To protect is to love.’ Jo also highlighted the Feast of Creation in Christ, a growing ecumenical celebration recognising God's work in creation, and described the network's advocacy through engaging with the Lungs of the Earth campaign, encouraging Anglicans to care and advocate for the world's forests, oceans and polar regions. 

The final presentation of the session came from Dr John Reuben Davies of the Scottish Episcopal Church on behalf of the International Anglican Liturgical Consultation. Dr John described the consultation's work in supporting worship and liturgical renewal throughout the Anglican Communion, helping churches learn from one another while remaining rooted in their own traditions. The consultation also advises the Instruments of Communion on matters relating to worship and collaborates closely with ecumenical partners in developing shared liturgical resources. 

The afternoon's presentations reflected the remarkable breadth of ministry taking place across the Anglican Communion. From language, education and worship to peacebuilding, creation care and Indigenous ministry, each network demonstrated the many ways Anglicans continue to learn from one another, strengthen relationships and work together in God's mission throughout the world. 

Learn more

Find out more about the networks of the Anglican Communion.

Learn more about the Lungs of the Earth call to environmental advocacy and action. 

See the latest updates from the 19th meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC-19) on the event website or Anglican Communion social media channels: Facebook, Instagram and X.