Peterson Appointed Secretary General of the Anglican Communion
Episcopal News Service. March 24, 1994 [94059]
Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey has announced that the Very Rev. John L. Peterson, dean of St. George's College and canon of St. George's Cathedral in Jerusalem, has been appointed the next secretary general of the Anglican Communion.
Peterson will have oversight of the Anglican Communion secretariat in London which includes support for the meetings of the Lambeth Conference, the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC).
Carey's announcement followed a week-long meeting of the standing committees of the ACC and the primates of the Anglican Communion. During the meeting Paterson received the unanimous recommendation of an international search committee for the position as well as unanimous support by both standing committees.
"I consider the opportunity to forward the life of Christ within the community of provinces of the Anglican Communion a challenge, a privilege and a gift," Peterson said following the announcement.
"John Peterson has a wide understanding of Anglican Communion that will greatly support his work as general secretary," said Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning following the announcement. "John has a gift of enthusiasm in his work that will bring a breath of fresh air to the work of the communion."
Describing Peterson as "a gifted administrator with remarkable public relations skill," President Bishop Samir Kafity, primate of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, said that Peterson had "internationalized St. George's College" during his tenure there.
For the past 12 years Peterson has led successful programs to enlarge facilities at St. George's College and increase the student population in size and diversity. The college serves as a major resource center for the Anglican Communion, providing not only educational programs and hospitality to thousands of international visitors to the Holy Land, but also a strong commitment to the ecumenical movement.
Peterson holds several advanced degrees, including a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Harvard University and a doctorate in Old Testament Theology from the Chicago Institute of Advanced Theology. He is canonically resident in the Diocese of Western Michigan where he is also an honorary canon of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Kalamazoo. Peterson and his wife, Kirsten, are the parents of two adopted Palestinian children.
Peterson will succeed the Rev. Canon Samuel Van Culin who will retire in December 1994 after 12 years in office.