Those in charge of planning the recent gathering of primates from the Anglican Communion went to unusual lengths to ensure that the March 2-9 meeting proceeded according to plan and without disruption.

"The Archbishop of Canterbury envisions the annual meetings of the primates as a time of mutual support and spiritual refreshment for those called to lead the provinces of the Anglican Communion," read a press release. "This gathering in the mountains of North Carolina, which will be in the nature of a retreat -- grounded in a rhythm of worship and Bible study -- will be a private meeting, without press or visitors, and the Kanuga Center will be open only by invitation to those who are formally part of the Primates Meeting."

Unauthorized access to the Kanuga Conference Center grounds was prevented by security personnel. At the main entrance to the remote location, a temporary guardhouse blocked half of the two-lane road.

Prior to the conclusion of the meeting the only official statement to be released was the March 4 sermon given by the Most Rev. George L. Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury and chairman. In it Archbishop Carey urged his listeners to follow Jesus' example by rejecting both fundamentalism and revisionist abuses of authority.