Episcopal Press and News
Contributions to Anglican Encounter a Concrete Sign of Support for Women
Episcopal News Service. November 8, 1989 [89226]
Initial contributions are now beginning to support Anglican involvement in the World Council of Churches' (WCC) Decade in Solidarity with Women. Planners for the Anglican Encounter, a gathering to be held in Latin America expected to draw more than 3,000 Anglican women and men to celebrate the decade, will meet next February in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to continue planning for the event.
On the table at the planning meeting will be discussion of the location of the meeting as well as program format. "We are not exactly sure where the encounter will take place," said Joanna Gajardo, administrative assistant in the office of Women in Mission and Ministry at the Church Center. "We're having trouble finding a place that will accommodate the numbers we expect will participate in the event."
Stated goals for the encounter are derived from the WCC decade: to build a community between women and men in the struggle for the kingdom of God; provide a biblical reinterpretation from different perspectives and realities; be involved in critical reevaluation of the patriachial system; develop continuing communication networks; and create support systems that sustain the vision of a transformed church.
Already contributions of more than $31,000 from supporters in the United States and $17,000 from supporters in Canada have been given to support the planning of the encounter. The June meeting of the Episcopal Church's Executive Council passed a resolution urging each diocese in the church to provide financial support in order to carry out the purpose and goals set by the planning committee of the encounter. Presiding Bishop Browning endorsed the resolution with a letter to each diocesan bishop requesting financial help to the tune of $1,500 from each diocese.
A retired bishop responded first. The Rt. Rev. Gerald McAllister, retired bishop of Oklahoma, and his wife, Helen, contributed $500 and have challenged the Diocese of Oklahoma to match their gift.
The first diocesan response came from the Rt. Rev. David E. Johnson, bishop of Massachusetts. In a letter that included a check for $500, Johnson said, "Subsequent checks for the same amount will be provided in 1990 and 1991."
In addition to these initial diocesan responses, the United Thank Offering has provided a grant of $30,000 to support the encounter. "We really see all these financial offerings as a tangible and outward sign that Anglicans are getting on board to support the aims of the decade," said Gajardo. "Though there has been at least verbal support for the decade and women's concerns in general, the gifts represent a concrete sign that we are moving ahead," she added.