The final day of the ACNA Provincial Council was a culmination of prayerful discernment for mission, hard work, and productive conversations, and vibrant worship. Delegates from across the province gathered with thanksgiving and anticipation for the road ahead, knowing that they were part of something Spirit-led and purposeful in its vision. As the sun rose on the closing day, a spirit of unity, gratitude, and reflection filled the Trophimus Center as each person there was given a time to reflect on the week and its implication for the province’s future.
The day began with a pastoral greeting from Archbishop Steve Wood. In his address, he spoke directly to the driving force of this Council: a love for Jesus Christ and a heart for the Gospel. He observed, “I’ve appreciated how I’ve tangibly experienced that all the people here are sold out to the Gospel.” Archbishop Wood introduced Archbishop Emeritus Bob Duncan, who gave a short history of our founding as part of the presentation of the Founders Memorial Award. After Abp. Duncan spoke, Abp. Wood noted, “It is important to remember where we came from and God’s faithfulness to us through it all.” His words reminded all present that the successes that we have are built on the foundations of those who came before us, and that as we move out into the world to do the work God has given us to do, we are laying a foundation for generations to come.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the Founders Memorial Award, given to the Most Rev. Leonard Wayne Riches Sr. for his decades of service to the Church. The award was accepted by his son. The Founders Memorial Award is an honor bestowed annually by the Archbishop of the ACNA to recognize and celebrate the legacy and vision of a founding leader who has passed on from this life and whose courage, faith, and ministry were instrumental in shaping a part of the church’s mission. Bishop Riches was a founding member of the province and a visionary member of the Reformed Episcopal Church (REC). Through his tireless generosity, unshakable conviction, and a deep love for the Church, he shaped a legacy of unity, grace, generosity, and selflessness that continues to bless us today. His leadership was instrumental in the establishment of the ACNA in 2009, where he served as Senior Bishop, helping to unify various Anglican bodies under a shared theological and ecclesiastical vision.
After the award presentation, reports from the mission workshops gave concrete shape to the vision of the week as expressed by each ministry. Delegates heard about creative church planting efforts, new discipleship initiatives, and collaborative partnerships for the equipping of Anglican leaders and mission to local communities. Canon Mark was interviewed on stage and spoke on his collaboration with Trinity Anglican Seminary’s Anglican Formation Network. The Council itself was an opportunity for provincial ministries like the AAC, Matthew 25, Church Army, Trinity Anglican Seminary, and Anglican House to network, look outward, and resource churches to reach out with whatever gifts they have.
The closing reflections by some provincial leaders and by some delegates were marked by gratitude and joy. Many spoke of deep encouragement, great fellowship, and a fresh sense of calling. As the Council concluded, Archbishop Wood asked the Rt. Rev. Clark Lowenfield, of the Diocese of the Western Gulf Coast, to offer Midday Prayer and lead the delegates in a final reflection and blessing. His voice rang clear: “We must each give thanks for some robust aspect of the incredible vision we have experienced. Give your thanksgiving with the joy of being able to be a part of the body of Christ, the bride, the Church.” With that time of prayer, Provincial Council 2025 was dismissed—but the mission continues into a new year of worship, growth, and mission!
