American Church Union Meeting Set for October
Diocesan Press Service. September 8, 1975 [75298]
PELHAM MANOR, N.Y. -- The National Council of the American Church Union will meet in Jackson, Mississippi, October 13-15, 1975.
In announcing the meeting, the Rev. Canon Charles H. Osborn, Executive Director said, "The importance of this meeting cannot be over-stressed. The chaotic conditions of lawlessness and "do-it-yourself" worship services rampant in the Episcopal Church today call, more than ever, for a strong, clear, and positive voice to speak out for the preservation of Catholic Faith and Order in the Episcopal Church."
Hosted by the Very Rev. William K. Hart, Prior of the Community of St. Augustine which operates St. Michael's Farm for Boys, Picayune, Mississippi, and the Rev. C. Osborne Moyer, rector of St. Colomb's Church, Jackson, it is anticipated 80 - 100 clergy and lay people which make up the governing body of this national organization will gather for the meeting.
Of particular importance will be considerations of strategy for the General Convention of the Episcopal Church which is to meet in Minnesota in September, 1976.
" There is wide-spread opposition throughout the Church to the notion that women can be admitted to the Catholic priesthood and episcopate, as well as broad dissatisfaction with some aspects of the proposals to revise the Book of Common Prayer. A.C.U. leadership has made itself felt in these areas," said Canon Osborn, "and we must continue to do so. The drive for secularization of the Church is vocal, influential, and well-financed, including some funds from the national church budget, whereas the ACU operates entirely on the voluntary contributions of its members and friends."
Preceding the business sessions an Institute for Priests will be conducted by the Rev. Thomas Hopko, Professor at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Seminary in New York. The topic of the Institute will be "The Lordship of Christ as it relates to Holy Orders and the Priesthood of All Believers. "
The American Church Union is a national body of Catholic-minded Episcopal Bishops, clergy, and lay people.