"My purpose is ... to be pastorally supportive of these congregations and missions," said [John] Guernsey, who hails from Falls Church, Va. "I'm coming to Midland to talk about the worth of sharing our faith. That's what I'll be preaching about."

Leadership at Christ Church is looking forward with excitement to the visit.

"We're thrilled that he has found time for us and our other two West Texas Anglican congregations so soon," said the Rev. Tom Finnie, Christ Church rector. "We respect the fact that he is busy and cherish the time he is giving us."

It's evident that as the bishop for the American churches, he will have a growing task ahead of him. Soft-spoken and with a bookish look, the Yale graduate has seen the number of churches allied with Uganda skyrocket before, during and after his consecration.

In June 2007, the Ugandan church reported 26 American congregations. In September, the number had risen to 33. Now, the total is 44, Guernsey said.

There are many other American Anglican churches that have sought shelter and affiliation with other foreign churches, many in Africa and South America. Guernsey estimates that number to be more than 300.

Though it's not the main purpose for his visit -- "This is not a political trip at all," he said -- Guernsey is currently working toward a larger goal.

If all goes well, a new nationwide Anglican church composed of those that broke with the U.S. Episcopal Church will be formed, and all of the dissenting churches allied overseas will be released to the new structure.

"The congregations are eager to put the difficulties and church conflicts behind them," he said.

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Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Church of Uganda • Episcopal Church (TEC) • TEC Conflicts • TEC Departing Parishes

1. dpchalk+ wrote: The descriptions are unfortunate down here. Just to be clear: they’re talking about the parishes that were in the Diocese of Northwest Texas, not the Diocese of “West Texas.” January 26, 6:08 pm | [comment link]

2. 1achord wrote: John Guernsey is not from Falls Church. He is from All Saints in Dale City January 26, 9:08 pm | [comment link]

3. DLewis wrote: Excuse me, but I thought he said the churches in Midland, San Angelo, and Lubbock are in West Texas—not in the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas.  They used to be in the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas, but now they are not in The Episcopal Church at all.  They are, however, still in West Texas. January 28, 10:52 am | [comment link]

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