Va.-based Anglican group holds annual meeting

The Convocation of Anglicans in North America, a Virginia-based branch of the Anglican Church of Nigeria that broke away from the Episcopal Church in the U.S., is coming together in Virginia this weekend for its annual council meeting.

The network of about 85 congregations and 179 clergy in 25 states began the gathering yesterday at its headquarters at Church of the Epiphany in Herndon and will remain there through tomorrow.

The council meeting will feature as keynote speakers Steven Garber of the Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation and Culture and the Rt. Rev. Ignatius Kattey, regional archbishop of the Church of Nigeria.

Topics will address the future of CANA, threats to religious freedom, developing new leaders and growing new churches.

"Since CANA continues to grow both spiritually and in the number of congregations, we must address the issues we face in modern society to ensure that orthodox Anglicanism remains a sanctuary for those wishing to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and experience profound transformation through Him," said the Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns, the leader of the Convocations of Anglicans in North America.

His address today will focus on the growth of CANA and orthodox Anglicanism in the U.S.

The council will conclude with a Eucharist tomorrow that will include the ordination of several new chaplains.

The Convocation of Anglicans in North America was founded in 2005 over differences of the Scriptures, including whether gays should be welcomed.

Contact Juan Antonio Lizama at (804) 649-6513 or .