As we announced yesterday in worship, we have some news about our denominational affiliation: The Table has discerned a call to leave the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) and become part of the Episcopal Church.
After a process of discernment lasting more than a year, last week our members voted 44-4 to disaffiliate with the ACNA and pursue affiliation with the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, led by Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows.
We sensed there was better alignment for The Table within the Episcopal Church (and especially the Diocese of Indianapolis) than there was within the ACNA, specifically as it relates to:
- Our commitment to resisting patriarchy and empowering women to fully lead in the church (ACNA prohibits women from being bishops).
- Our commitment to social and racial justice, standing in solidarity with marginalized oppressed communities and working for liberation for all.
- Our commitment to cultivating a resilient, non-reactive, non-anxious Christianity.
- Our commitment to practicing a generous “big tent” spirituality rooted in the deep well of the Anglican tradition.
We have begun the process of applying to be an affiliated ministry of the Episcopal Church, which is a designation that provides time and space for us to move toward full membership as a parish of the Diocese of Indianapolis.
What does this mean for daily life and worship at The Table? In truth, not much will change at all in terms of how we worship and pray and practice being a community together. We are being welcomed as the church we are, which is already well-aligned with the values of the diocese. We are also excited and hopeful for the fruit that this new affiliation will bring, both in and through our community.
Grace and peace,
Fr. Ben, on behalf of the Leadership Team
