Photo: Bishop Chuck Murphy speaks to leaders at St. Michael's Church, Chester Square, London
The Anglican Mission in The Americas (AMiA) traveled to England this summer, or at least its message did, conveyed in person by Chairman Bishop Chuck Murphy. His visit in early July included opportunities to share with evangelical leaders in the UK as they face their own challenges in a nation that needs to engage a dynamic Gospel witness.

Bishop Murphy was accompanied by the Rev. David Saunders, an Englishman who served churches in the UK before his move to the States and his association with the Anglican Mission. “The meetings were of great significance, I think. It was good to meet with many old friends, a number of whom represent New Wine leadership and the orthodox voice of Anglicanism,” reflected Rev. Saunders. “I encountered a considerable amount of misunderstanding regarding the AMiA, which came as a result of incomplete, and often inaccurate, information regarding the Mission that has surfaced during these initial years of our work, values, and objectives. People were delighted with Chuck’s emphasis on church planting.”

“This was a chance for people to have a face to face encounter with the vision and values of the Anglican Mission,” stated Bishop Murphy upon his return to the US. “It was an eye-opener for many people, as they saw first hand what we’re about.”

The invitation to visit Anglicanism’s historic home base was extended by the Rev. Canon Dr. Chris Sugden of Anglican Mainstream, an organization linking a number of orthodox Anglican groups. Canon Sugden was pleased with the outcome: “Bishop Chuck focused clearly on the central mission of the church, the winning of new disciples to follow Jesus and building Christian communities who will attract others because God is with them,” he remarked via email. “He won over a number of senior people who had been troubled by his relationship with institutional Anglican structures. His Anglican credentials shone through.”

Bishop Murphy preached at a local parish near London, spoke to a group at the York Synod and met with evangelical leaders, including those connected to Anglican Mainstream and New Wine, which hosts renewal events each year for tens of thousands. He shared the heart and vision of AMiA, and insights into the patterns of a healthy church based on Acts 2. The response has been very positive as invitations for new partnerships have followed his presentations. “This opportunity grew out of our Winter Conference, and relationships begun there. Now it seems that the Lord is re-positioning the Anglican Mission in the larger global family, and I do anticipate further partnerships coming from this,” Bishop Murphy offered.

Whatever those might be it’s clear that the American bishop inspired a number of church leaders during his visit to the country where he studied theology several decades ago. “His vision for church planting and mission is just what we need here in England,” affirmed Mark Russell, a 31 year old evangelical preparing to step into the role of Chief Secretary of Church Army, a society of missional leaders in the Anglican Church. “He was simply inspirational and as I prepare for my new role at Church Army, it was simply wonderful to be challenged and inspired.”

The Church of England website

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