My name is Courtney Henderson-Adams, and I am the new Center for Anglican Communion Studies (CACS) Administrative Coordinator. I currently reside in Falls Church, Virginia, and I am also a pug mom (her name is Barbra)! I am a proud alumna of Pace University (2019) with a B.A. in communications and a minor in religious studies, and a current graduate student at Athens State University studying for my M.A. in religious studies. To me, religion is a very important component of society and no matter which one, they are all important. Although they are not perfect, religions across the spectrum give wonderful things to this world and being part of the CACS team has taught me more about the spectrum.
I was not raised in the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, but I do enjoy learning more about it. During my time with CACS, I have learned that the Anglican Communion is a global community made up of different Churches that are products of different histories and cultures. I still have plenty to learn about the Communion, such as the different experiences with colonialism, the roles of women, and other difficult histories within Anglicanism. So far, I know only a sliver of that history, and what is happening in the present day. I look forward to learning more in the future with CACS.
During my first months here at CACS I have worked on a few events with topics that range from the climate crisis to racial justice, and that these issues are affecting the people of the world in a range of ways. It reminds me that no matter who you are, life is not perfect, and hardships affect all of us. In other words, because we are all affected by the hardships in life, we must work together to help support one another – in which conversation is the first step. And I believe CACS is part of that work. CACS creates conversation. This coming year, CACS has collected some amazing people to speak about things that will be hard to talk about, such as skin color, colonialism, and stereotypes, but also some amazing topics like spirituality, art, prayer, and the Communion as a whole. I hope you are all looking forward to this year as much I am.
Courtney Henderson-Adams
Administrative Coordinator, Center of Anglican Communion Studies