Anglican Consultative Council

Definition

The Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) is an international assembly of Anglican bishops, clergy, and lay representatives from across the world, established to promote unity and cooperation among the various provinces of the Anglican Communion. It serves as a forum for discussion and collaboration on issues of common concern, facilitating shared mission and ministry within the Anglican tradition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ACC was established in 1968 as a response to the need for a more organized structure for communication and collaboration among Anglican churches worldwide.
2. It meets approximately every three years, bringing together representatives from all provinces of the Anglican Communion to discuss issues, share resources, and encourage fellowship.
3. The ACC provides a platform for addressing social justice issues, theological discussions, and ecumenical relationships with other Christian denominations.
4. Decisions made by the ACC are not binding; however, they carry significant influence in shaping policies and directions for the Anglican Communion as a whole.
5. The ACC has been involved in significant debates regarding human sexuality, interfaith dialogue, and global mission efforts in recent decades.

Review Questions

• How does the Anglican Consultative Council facilitate collaboration among different provinces of the Anglican Communion?
  • The Anglican Consultative Council acts as a vital forum where representatives from various provinces come together to discuss shared concerns and collaborate on mission efforts. Through its regular meetings, it fosters communication between churches, allowing for the exchange of ideas and best practices. This collaboration helps maintain unity within the diverse Anglican tradition while addressing global issues that impact all members of the Communion.
• What role does the Anglican Consultative Council play in addressing contemporary social justice issues within the Anglican Communion?
  • The ACC plays a crucial role in highlighting and promoting social justice issues by providing a platform for discussion and advocacy. During its meetings, members address critical topics such as poverty, discrimination, and environmental concerns. By encouraging provinces to engage in social justice initiatives, the ACC helps to ensure that the values of compassion and justice are reflected in the actions of Anglican churches worldwide.
• Evaluate the impact of the decisions made by the Anglican Consultative Council on global Anglicanism, especially in relation to controversies over human sexuality.
  • The decisions made by the ACC have significantly shaped global Anglicanism, particularly regarding controversies over human sexuality. As discussions around same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ inclusion emerged, the ACC served as a platform for differing perspectives within the Communion. While its resolutions are not binding, they influence individual provinces' policies and responses to these issues. The ongoing debates sparked by the ACC's discussions have highlighted divisions within the Communion but also encouraged dialogue aimed at fostering understanding and reconciliation among Anglicans globally.

Related terms

Anglican Communion: A worldwide family of churches linked by their allegiance to the Church of England and sharing a common tradition, worship, and mission.

Lambeth Conference: A gathering of bishops from the Anglican Communion held approximately every ten years to discuss and make decisions on matters affecting the church globally.

Province: A regional or national grouping of Anglican churches that are part of the broader Anglican Communion, each led by a bishop.