Date: February 14, 2022
I want to draw your attention to a very exciting opportunity starting today: the Companions of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies.
You may have seen the Companions launch on Facebook, and many of you also have received an email invitation to join. Today, I am pleased to announce the formal kick-off of this membership on Virginia Theological Seminary’s campus. From 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., CACS team members will be making themselves available in Scott Lounge to answer any questions about the Companions, and they will be especially happy to sign anyone up for this membership. If you would like to learn more and join, you can visit this page where there is a link to a membership form. The Center has also encouraged me to mention that there are plenty of St. Valentine’s Day treats to go around. So please, come by and consider signing up.
Now, some of you may be wondering, what would it mean to be a Companion of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies? CACS actually forms a significant bridge between our VTS community here in Alexandria and the larger life of the Anglican Communion, and as such, is an integral part of our life within the Anglican Communion. But given the significant conversations that happen under the direction of CACS, a question we often ask is: how can we facilitate a deeper engagement in the stellar programs that CACS offers?
This is the need that the Companions of CACS meets, but it really is more than that. In short, the Companions of CACS is a way to gather Anglicans together for reflection on various pressure points within Anglicanism itself: conversations about migration, justice, liturgy, reconciliation (the list could go on). These conversations provide an opportunity for communion: to learn and discern Christ together with love. I do hope you will consider this joining these events.
Now, why else might someone join the Companions? All Companions will receive:
- An invitation to our first annual, members-only event on April 28, 2022, with the Most Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury (There will be limited in-person seating at this event so join the Companions now to get your invitation and reserve your spot. Companions who cannot travel to be with us will be able to participate virtually.)
- An annual opportunity to advise the Center’s leadership
- Free publications
- Updates on Center events, resources, and opportunities
There is, of course, no cost or expected donation to join the Companions. I sincerely hope you will talk to the CACS team during lunchtime or any other time and consider becoming a Companion.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President