Among the issues discussed was the need to find a way to communicate or meet in the months between June and September to consider, propose, and elect one or more network bishops. As various considerations were voiced and a number of ideas were considered, it appeared that the idea of such a large and geographically diverse group working in a cohesive way after leaving Raleigh was going to be difficult and a Network bishop would be necessary.

Breedlove was considered the choice for Network Bishop in view of his past experience in team leadership and pastoral care and oversight. Following a brief discussion the decision to make him the first Bishop Candidate of the new PEARUSA was made by acclamation.

There was the sense that this was the providence of God in giving godly leadership and wonderful unity in a group who could truly say with joy and confidence that, "it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us", as they promoted one of their own to this important and foundational work.

In other news, Bishop Julian Dobbs of CANA (Anglican Church of Nigeria in America) and Bishop Todd Hunter (ACNA/C4SO) spoke warmly of their affection and gratitude for PEARUSA and underlined the broad unity that is developing among orthodox Anglicans working in North America. Dobbs called what is happening with ACNA, CANA, and PEARUSA, "A new Anglican movement", a new collegial, multi-cultural, God coordinated way that the Holy Spirit is directing and organizing Global Anglicanism. He remarked that not everyone is comfortable with it, but it's working for us and bearing good fruit."

Former AMIA Bishop Todd Hunter re-introduced himself to his AMiA colleagues in his new role. He said he will function as an ACNA bishop "without diocese but with portfolio". That portfolio will take definitive shape and move forward as a result of direct ongoing consultations with Archbishop Robert Duncan, primate of ACNA. Bishop Hunter made it clear that his intent is to continue to function as one who provides assistance to church planters and those who plant churches. His twenty some years experience in successful church planting with the Vineyard organization will be a blessing to "The New Anglican Movement".

Bishop John Guernsey of the ACNA Mid-Atlantic Diocese spoke to the Assembly again about unity, common heritage and struggles. He shared a timely sermon that illustrated how God redeems and uses the troubles and persecution of His Church to bring needed change and growth. Guernsey said, "We mostly got involved in church planting because we were deposed, sued, fired, and kicked out." He used several scriptural stories to make the point that we should be grateful for various troubles and crises because "hardship and suffering produce character and fruitfulness". He also warned the assembly not to think the battles are over. Overcoming crises, he said, only prepares us for bigger battles.

Bishop Nathan Gasatura of the Rwandan Diocese of Butare is a son of the East African Revival. His mentor was Festo Kivengere, the great Ugandan-Anglican church leader and evangelist. Bishop Nathan delivered a powerful message from the book of Nehemiah about Leadership in a Time of Rebuilding.

This makes us very grateful the American leaders of PEARUSA have recognized, by putting Africans in key speaking and leadership roles, that great blessing that lies in store for us in being connected relationally and canonically with Rwanda.

Breedlove then addressed the Assembly and set the tone for the next few months as PEARUSA is in the process of finalizing protocols, structures, relationships, networks and charters. "We are in the midst of a participatory development". He made it clear that the leaders are listening to and implementing the ideas, proposals, and concerns of all the clergy and churches. He affirmed that Archbishop Rwaje and other Rwandan bishops had modeled leadership and how relationships had affected the leadership of PEARUSA. He spoke of the need for mutual submission, openness, and humility as the guiding principles. The hope for the future is that the emerging organization of PEARUSA will be lean, essential, mission enabling structures, he said.

The Rev. Dan Claire echoed the growing sense of humility and dependence on God when he said the events of the last few months have taught us to "take ourselves a lot less seriously". He said he realizes now that we are not the one great movement that will reach the 130 Million un-churched Americans. But, rather, that God has called us to make a perhaps small, but strategic contribution to that great need.

While PEARUSA is still in its early formative stage, Celebration Assembly delegates made it clear that its roots are deep, the foundation strong, the relationships solid and unified.

The Rev. Don Schulze is the Interim Rector, Church of the Apostles, Hope Mills, NC