(L to R): The Rev. Greg Mercer and Bishop Gary Woolsey, at the recent Anglican Fellowship of Prayer (AFP) Conference of diocesan representatives in Calgary.
Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, has reminded Anglicans about the importance of prayer, saying that despite the daunting demands of his work as head of the national church, he makes this a priority.
Archbishop Hiltz spoke at the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer (AFP) Conference of diocesan representatives, held June 7 to 10 in Calgary. He also asked participants to pray for the Anglicans in Canada and around the world who comprise the Anglican Communion, the grouping of 44 national regional and member churches in 160 countries.
For his part, Bishop Gary Woolsey (Ret.), the AFP’s national director, reminded participants about the power of prayer to transform hearts. He urged them not to forget Jesus’ words that it is “out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45).
The conference, held every three years, “is a time to worship, learn and grow in the ministry of prayer,” said organizers.
Each day began with worship and Bible study. Participants learned, among other things, how to lead people in prayer “out loud” in a group headed by Canon Anne Moore of the diocese of Toronto. There were also presentations on Children and Youth Ministry.
The conference ended with a celebration of the Eucharist by Archbishop Hiltz, who commissioned participants to the ministry of the AFP.