Read the Statement created by the Anglican Leadership Institute Fellows.

The most controversial thing about the inauguration of an “Aspen Institute” type gathering of Anglican leaders in Charleston was the cold. Many of the 14 participants came from countries close to the Equator, and despite space heaters, a roaring fireplace, and a heated building they huddled in loaned parkas and woolen sweaters as if they were at the North Pole.

Aside from that passing discomfort, the guests of the very first month-long Anglican Leadership Institute here had nothing but good things to say about their stay during January.

Growing out of a vision of SC Bishop Mark Lawrence, these men and women came from eleven countries as diverse as Myanmar, India, Egypt, Chile, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, S. Sudan, Uganda, Kenya and the USA.

In addition to lectures that challenged them to assess their gifts, character and leadership styles, these participants were given time to meditate on the challenges of leadership in the global church. Five were bishops, three seminary deans, and seven had Ph.d’s.

A most unique feature of the four-week conference was the input of gifted C.E.O’s of significant companies in the USA. What had these men learned from leading companies as diverse as Polaroid and Home Depot? How had their faith shaped their style and decisions? What did they learn about communicating with the vast number of employees, and what might they have done differently? Our visitors remarked on the rare treat this was for them.

As we met on Sullivan’s Island in two rented facilities, across the Pond the 38 primates of the Anglican Communion were also meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury in England. Because they were appalled at the actions of The Episcopal Church in changing its canons on marriage to bless same-sex unions, these primates overwhelmingly voted to sanction The Episcopal Church with a three-year moratorium on voice and vote within the Communion.

Stirred by the vitality of our daily gatherings, the fourteen participants created a South Carolina Statement as a parting gift to us: “We covenant ourselves to transform our societies through the Anglican institutions and churches in which we serve.”

Nothing signified more than this one action to us all that leadership is the #1 need in the global Church today. That is true for all denominations, and especially Anglicanism. Here in Charleston, A.L.I. is rising to the challenge with two monthly conferences annually -- as long as funds last.

Peter C. Moore, Director, Anglican Leadership Institute
721 High Battery Circle, Mount Pleasant, Sc 29464