Moving Forward Together A Solemn Assembly: Opening Session

I arrived at the Church of the Apostles about an hour before the Opening Session began. I thought that I was early but discovered a throng of folks gathered in the lobby, checking in at one of the tables, or greeting each other or lining up for a latte made with freshly brewed Rwandan coffee. The crowd grew as more people arrived. The crowd was diverse—Millenials as well as Busters and Boomers. The mood was upbeat—no drawn, tense faces; no anxious, worried conversations.

Alan Hawkins, the leader of the Apostles Mission Network, kicked off the Opening Session. He spoke of finding “a home in Anglicanism.” He went on to describe the “Anglican fathers” as “giants upon whose shoulders we stand.” He stressed that an Anglican identity is an identity “worth fighting for.” He enumerated what the Rwandans had offered the Anglican Mission. They most importantly, he stressed, had “offered relationship.” He spoke of those present sharing “a deep affection for the Rwandans.” He went on to say that the main question before the Solemn Assembly would be, “How can we be together?” He acknowledged “a common need for repentance, healing, and reconciliation…” He went on to point out, “the gospel alone could heal our brokenness, our sin.” Hawkins further spoke of the need to hear from the Rwandan bishops and most importantly from the Holy Spirit. Those present were “gathered in sacred assembly to accomplish these things.” He described the gathering as “the first steps in moving forward together.”

Archbishop Onosphore Rwaje and the House of Bishops of Rwanda were introduced as the hosts of the Sacred Assembly. As Archbishop Rwaje and the three bishops who accompanied him were in turn introduced, each received an enthusiastic round of applause.

Patrick Domingos, the rector of the Church of the Apostles, delivered the welcome. He then called for a moment of silence. A deep silence fell upon the gathering.

When Archbishop Rwaje was introduced as the next speaker, the gathering rose to its feet and greeted him with rousing applause.

Archbishop Rwaje told the gathering that he and the three bishops with him were there on the behalf of all the House of Bishops of Rwanda. He emphasized, “the whole House of Bishops is with you.” “There is some conception that we do not walk together,” he said. “We are a united House of Bishops,” he went on to emphasize. “It is the evil one suggesting a divided House of Bishops.”

Archbishop Rwaje went on to welcome those present at the gathering. He extended a special welcome to Archbishop Bob Duncan whom he characterized as “bringing people together in America.”

Archbishop Rwaje stressed that the meeting was a meeting of more than Anglicans. It was a meeting of Christians—“Christians in the family of Anglicans.” He went to say that he and the other bishops were “here to assure you that we are together.” “To say again and again, you are part of us.” “We are here to support you…to reassure you…to be with you.”

Archbishop Rwaje pointed out, “We are wounded.” “We are wounded healers.” “We are here to heal each other.” “We are all wounded.” Those present were gathered to “look for ways and means to heal others and to heal ourselves.”

Archbishop Rwaje went on to say, “The Anglican Church is an orderly church and does things in an orderly way.” “Whatever we do, we do to God’s will and direction…we seek God’s guidance.” He stressed, “We are praying for those who are moving away from the Anglican Church of Rwanda.” Our hearts are open to welcome back anyone who has deserted.” He pointed out, “There is a cost to reconciliation.” It requires repentance and forgiveness. He went on to say that Christ’s death on the cross showed the necessity of reconciliation.

I plan to post a seperate analysis of Archbishop Robert Duncan's address to the Opening Session.