The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion addressed the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church for the first time in 21 years, when members heard the Rt Rev Anthony Poggo pay warm tribute to the Church during the final session of the three-day meeting at the Stirling Court Hotel.

On his first visit to Scotland, Bishop Poggo described the SEC as “an incredibly valued member of the Anglican Communion”.

Bishop Poggo said in his address: “I see how you are living out the mission of Christ in your Province and I commend the work that you are doing.

“The Scottish Episcopal Church contributes a different kind of Anglicanism to the Anglican Communion without being historically tied to the British establishment and to the British Empire. You show the historic diversity of the Anglican tradition and have helped to break free of colonial ways of thinking.

“Anglicanism in the British Isles is stronger for having this diversity of traditions, going back to ancient Celtic and Irish roots as well as to Augustine’s mission to Kent in 597. Your role in the consecration of the first American Episcopal/Anglican bishop is an important historic contribution to the foundation of what is now The Episcopal Church.”

Bishop Poggo, who is originally from South Sudan, had been in attendance throughout Synod after accepting an invitation to come to Scotland extended by the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Bishop Mark Strange. He had listened carefully to debates about a new Provincial Strategy, liturgies, mission, Net Zero and the Church’s exploration of the legacy of slavery.

As he addressed Synod on its closing day, he took the opportunity to share with members a brief sense of his role as Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, the role of the Anglican Communion Office, and discussed where various matters currently stand in the Communion. He also thanked those from the Scottish Episcopal Church who have contributed directly to the Communion through participation in commissions and networks, and was delighted to meet up with the Very Rev Kelvin Holdsworth and Dr Beth Routledge (both Diocese of Glasgow & Galloway, and both pictured right), who are the SEC representatives on the Anglican Consultative Council and will attend the next ACC meeting in Belfast at the end of June (ACC-19). He also gave thanks to the SEC for its “consistent giving of provincial contributions”.

“We see ourselves as an enabling team, here to serve and strengthen communion life,” said Bishop Poggo. “Our role is about connecting Anglican churches around the world, in global mission and fellowship. I seek to ensure all voices are heard, even those of smaller provinces.”

Updating members on current objectives at the Communion, Bishop Poggo spoke about the view expressed that there is a need for review of the structures of the Communion, and thanked the SEC for its engagement with the Nairobi-Cairo Proposals which have been offered for consideration by the Communion and will be discussed at ACC-19.

“In a diverse communion and in a post-colonial world, the aim of the work is to help find ways for Anglicans to walk together to the highest degree possible,” said Bishop Poggo, as he went on to address the main challenges facing the Communion at the moment.

“You will be aware of some of the disagreements in the Anglican Communion, mainly over the issue of ordination of women, same sex relations and Anglican identity. Most provinces are happy to carry on in their relationships with other provinces in spite of differences, however some are not. It is important not to ignore our disagreements and divisions but to face them together in a truthful manner.

“As we move forward together as a Communion, let us consider our contexts and what we would like the future of the Communion to be. My desire and appeal is that we follow our expected norms of practice as Anglicans. Whatever may happen should be done through and within our existing structures of our beloved Communion.

“Membership of the Anglican Communion is voluntary; all provinces are autonomous and choose to belong. At the same time, they are interdependent, forming one family in Christ. Membership entails participation in the common life of the Communion – contributing to its mission, engaging with its Instruments, and enriching one another in faith.

“It also rests on mutual recognition and sacramental communion with other member churches, ensuring that our shared life is lived out in relationship, not isolation.”

He concluded: “It is very good to be here and do please pray for the upcoming ACC-19 meeting and its deliberation. Be assured of my prayers for you, as individuals, dioceses and as a Province. I look forward to walking with you and supporting you in the ways I can during my time as Secretary General.”

The Primus led loud applause from a very appreciative Synod, and said it was a “delight” to have Bishop Poggo in attendance.

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