Conservative Anglicans in the US are moving quickly on the formation of a new Anglican body in North America after their split from The Episcopal Church.
When of the church leaders spearheading the creation of the new province is Bishop Martyn Minns, leader of the prominent breakaway groups the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA).
In this interview with The Christian Post, Bishop Minns shares his thoughts on the breakaway movement in North America.
CP: Last December saw the second anniversary of the Anglican District of Virginia (which is part of CANA). Over these past two years as these churches in Virginia cut ties with The Episcopal Church and more have joined this “conservative movement”, if you will, out of the national church, what would you say has been the greatest challenge?
Minns: I think the challenge has been to keep focused on doing Christian ministry and not get caught up in reacting or being sort of overwhelmed by all the various litigation and the pushes and pull. I think we’re doing pretty well. I think people are keeping focused on the importance of the Gospel. So that’s been the challenge.
CP: Were there any surprises during those years?
Minns: I think I’ve been surprised by how many people were willing to pay a price for their faith. In this country it’s fairly easy to be a Christian as opposed to other countries where it’s quite challenging. But I’ve been surprised and pleased by how many folks were willing to step out and risk everything.
CP: And what have you found the most rewarding?
Minns: I find it really rewarding to visit congregations of people that are really seeking to follow God, to hear God and to do God’s will.
CP: Has the Archbishop of Canterbury offered any recognition of CANA (Convocation of Anglicans in North America) and your position as missionary bishop?
Minns: Not any formal recognition. But then again, we are part of the Church of Nigeria so in that sense, his recognition isn’t strictly necessary. But he’s stuck in a hard place because on the one hand, he wants to keep everything together but he realizes that the American church is headed off in a direction that the rest of us won’t go. He’s also limited in terms of his authority in this country, so I think he’s trying to stay quiet and stay out of it.
