Communications between the Church of England and the USA could be better after the visit of a Church of England Communicator to the Annual Conference of the Diocesan Communicators of the Episcopal Church in America. Anni Holden, Director of Communications in the Diocese of Hereford was a guest at the event held in Houston, Texas.

Around a hundred and fifty delegates from all over the United States met at Camp Allen, a one thousand acre site with superb facilities owned by the Diocese of Texas. The programme included several key speakers, discussion groups and some training seminars, and the message that came from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Anni Holden read the message from Archbishop Rowan Williams, who said that "diocesan communicators are among the key ministers in the life of a diocese these days." The message marked the beginning of the first full day of the four day Conference.

"Not only do they have to deal on the front lines with making sense of the problems - and sometimes the tragedies of the church's life; they also have the privilege of finding words and images for the good news that every diocese has to share." Williams said. "I know how much difference it makes when this calling is executed with imagination and energy, and I pray that God will continue to give you just these qualities in your service to God's people."

Anni Holden said she was amazed by the reception the message received. “I think sometimes we forget here in the Church of England that we are part of something so much bigger and that The Archbishop of Canterbury doesn’t just belong to us but is head of a worldwide Anglican Communion. Delegates found his message very moving.”

The Conference demonstrated to Anni that the issues on both sides of the Atlantic are very similar. “The National Convention later this year will address the sort of subjects we will be addressing at General Synod. They will discuss the Global Financial Crisis and its effect on Church budgets, the status of the Anglican Covenant and talk more on the Gay debate,” said Anni. “These are all concerns here and they are hoping that the Archbishop of Canterbury will be there for part of it.”

Anni has already started the process of feedback, having attended a meeting at Church House Westminster immediately on her return. She will speak to other colleagues at the end of next month.

Anni Holden, Director of Communications
The Diocesan Office, The Palace, Hereford HR4 9BL
Tel: 01432 373342 mobile 07889 186316
a.holden@hereford.anglican.org
www.hereford.anglican.org