Three primates of the Anglican Communion were on hand for Affirming Anglican Catholicism's conference and retreat, "Toward Catholicity: More Than We Can Ask or Imagine." The Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Peter Carnley, Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, and the Most Rev. Michael Peers, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, participated in the event Jan. 8-10 at La Casa de Maria retreat center in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Featured speakers included the Rt. Rev. Christopher Epting, Bishop of Iowa and newly appointed deputy director of ecumenical relations for the Episcopal Church. The Rt. Rev. Keith Whitmore, Bishop of Eau Claire, was asked to fill in for the Rt. Rev. David Stancliffe, Bishop of Salisbury, who fell ill.

Affirming Anglican Catholicism seeks to move the Anglo-Catholic movement forward in a positive manner, said the Very Rev. John Kevern, dean of Bexley Hall Divinity School.

"Anglo-Catholicism has not always been solely a conservative movement," he said. "I think the perception over the last 30 years is that Anglo-Catholicism has lost some of its steam because it is too concerned with liturgy. We need to be engaged with the world, and take a progressive theological approach to social issues."

In its statement of principles, Affirming Anglican Catholicism notes that "full inclusion of lay and ordained people in church government, and of both men and women in the threefold ministry, reinforces the catholic integrity of our vision."

During his talk, Bishop Whitmore elaborated on his own experience being engaged in evangelization of young people in their late teens and early 20s.

"This generation has taken a look at the world we are about to hand them and they wonder if this is all there is," Bishop Whitmore said. "We who are in control of the church need to communicate with this generation better. Many of them are seeking to live a disciplined life, one which will help lead them to spiritual discovery. From all that I've read and seen, members of Generation X are looking for structure and ritual. A catholic expression of Anglicanism can offer that."

Bishop Whitmore believes that an Anglo-Catholicism whose core is made up of moderates and which welcomes all without advancing political positions is an unmet need for many members of Generation X.

"Our place is not to resolve issues," he said. "We need to connect people with the kingdom of God."

Previously Affirming Anglican Catholicism held a conference only every other year in the United States. Partly as a result of the good will and enthusiasm participants came away with from the January conference, the board will meet in Toronto in March to explore ways to increase its visibility and workshop opportunities.