The third South to South encounter recently concluded in Egypt with the Anglican Mission in The Americas encouraged and heartened by the Global South's continued commitment to the Scriptures and the historic Christian Faith.

Three delegates from the Anglican Mission—Bishop Chuck Murphy, Canon Tim Smith and Mr. Bob Devlin—were invited to participate as part of Rwanda's delegation that also included Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini, Bishop Geoffrey Rwubisissi and the Rev. Ernest Maharo. "There was no resistance or consternation caused by our presence," stated Bishop Murphy, the Anglican Mission's Chairman. "We were fully included in the activities of the plenaries and small group sessions, and welcomed with graciousness." The Anglican Mission members were included at the invitation of Archbishop Kolini and the approval of the working committee that provided leadership for the historic event. That committee, which issued all invitations, included Archbishop Akinola of Nigeria, Archbishop Yong of SE Asia, Bishop John Chew of Singapore, Archbishop Gomez of the West Indies, Archbishop Venables of the Southern Cone, and The Rt. Rev. Dr. Mouneer Hanna Anis of the Episcopal Diocese of Egypt.

The AMiA's presence underscored a strategy, courageously initiated by the Archbishops of Rwanda and SE Asia, that has now been adopted by much of the Global South. The creative and prophetic strategy that birthed the Anglican Mission five years ago—of providing canonical residency off-shore, crossing boundaries for the mission of the Gospel, and establishing parallel jurisdictions—has clearly been recognized, embraced and affirmed by the Global South, as evidenced by the eight Anglican Global South provinces that now offer some sort of protection and mission in the United States and Canada.

"It is very clear that the Global South is fully aware of the crisis of faith and leadership in North America," observed Bishop Murphy. "They affirm that the way forward is with a clear and specific adherence to our historic faith and to the Scriptures. This is evident as an across the board commitment of the Global South leadership. They are speaking with one voice." The AMiA's Chairman also expressed appreciation for the ongoing support of Rwanda. "It was very helpful, in strengthening relationships, to meet many of the Global South leaders I had yet to meet. I'm also personally grateful for the confidence shown in us by Archbishop Kolini and the Rwandan delegation by including us so fully and completely."

The next South to South meeting will take place in four years. Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini has been selected to serve on the Working Committee to replace the outgoing Yong Ping Chung, who is retiring.

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