Free Church of England Convocation 2013

20-22 May 2013

Ministers, Wardens and Delegates of the Free Church of England met at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, for their 149th annual Convocation.

During the three day conference, there was time for fellowship as well as business. Convocation business went very smoothly and all the committees were elected and reports approved for the coming year.

Of note during the business sessions was that, after three years at the helm, and many years in service for the Denomination, the Rt Revd John McLean retired as Bishop Primus. The Rt Revd John Fenwick was elected by Convocation as Bishop Primus in his place, and he took Office at the conclusion of Convocation.

Also of note was that, after several years of work aimed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the Free Church of England, with the Authorisation of Convocation, the Bishop Primus, the Rt Revd John McLean, and the General Secretary, the Rt Revd Paul Hunt, were able to officially certify the completed corpus of the Doctrinal Authorities, Constitution and Canons of the Free Church of England.

Convocation was pleased to host the Rt Revd Josep Rossello, of the Reformed Anglican Church of Brazil, as a welcome visitor. Bishop Rossello addressed Convocation on the work he is leading in Brazil, showing pictures of the various churches and speaking about the work, meeting places and opportunities they are exploring to bring people to Christ. Bishop Rossello was warmly received and the hand of fellowship was extended to the Reformed Anglican Church of Brazil. Convocation was also pleased to welcome back old friend and regular visitor, Rt Revd Gerhard Meyer of the REC in Germany.

Relations with other churches were also discussed and the Free Church of England looks forward to deepening its relationship with the Nordic Catholic Church and Polish National Catholic Church.

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