THE Archbishop of Canterbury has appointed a priest from a
Continuing Church, the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), to
an honorary position in Canterbury Cathedral.
The Revd Dr Tory Baucum, Rector of Truro Church in Fairfax,
Virginia, will be installed in March as one of the Six Preachers -
a post created by Thomas Cranmer in 1541 to give greater prominence
to preaching.
During his five-year appointment, Dr Baucum will be expected to
preach in the cathedral on specific occasions.
Truro Church seceded from the diocese of Virginia and the US
Episcopal Church in 2006. Dr Baucum became Rector a year later, and
was involved in extensive litigation over property rights. Despite
their theological and legal differences, Dr Baucum and the
Episcopal Bishop of Virginia, the Rt Revd Shannon Johnston, became
friends, and a settlement was reached, although Truro remains a
part of ACNA.
"The close friendship he has forged with Bishop Shannon
Johnston, despite their immensely different views, sets a pattern
of reconciliation based on integrity and transparency," Archbishop
Welby said. "Such patterns of life are essential to the future of
the Communion. I hope and pray that Tory's presence as one of the
Six Preachers will play a part in promoting reconciliation and
unity amongst us."
Dr Baucum said that he was "deeply moved by the honour bestowed
upon ACNA and especially the congregation of Truro Church".
"I am devoted to Archbishop Welby's vision for the Anglican
Communion, and I hope this appointment might help, in some small
way, translate that vision into reality." A number of Anglican
provinces are in full communion with ACNA, although it is not
formally recognised.