Anglican Diocese of the South, Inc.

Overview

The Anglican Diocese of the South, Inc., with EIN 272539167, is a nonprofit organization within the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). It operates as a diocese covering a broad geographical area, including the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

History

The diocese was formally established on June 9, 2010, as part of the Anglican Church in North America. Its first bishop, Foley Beach, was consecrated on October 9, 2010, at the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, by Archbishop Robert Duncan. Beach has served as both the bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the South and, since 2014, as the second Archbishop of the ACNA.

Governance and Leadership

The diocese is headed by a diocesan bishop. As of recent information, the diocesan bishop is The Most Rev. Foley Beach, with The Rt. Rev. Dr. Frank Lyons serving as an assistant bishop. The diocesan headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia, and Holy Cross Cathedral in Loganville, Georgia, serves as the cathedral for the diocese.

Mission and Activities

The mission of the Anglican Diocese of the South is to plant and renew Anglican churches that embody the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their communities. The diocese is deeply rooted in the Anglican tradition, which is characterized by its biblical foundation and liturgical practices. It emphasizes participation in worship, incorporating elements such as the Book of Common Prayer and the celebration of the Christian Year.

Statistics

As of 2023, the Anglican Diocese of the South encompasses 50 parishes, with a total membership of 8,399. The state with the most parishes is Georgia, hosting 23.

Structure and Affiliations

The diocese is part of the global Anglican Fellowship, GAFCON, which connects it with over 80 million Anglicans worldwide. Its operations are aligned with the broader ACNA, a Christian denomination in the Anglican tradition spanning the United States and Canada.

Worship and Practices

Anglican worship in the diocese adheres to the Book of Common Prayer and follows a participatory and experiential style. It incorporates elements such as processionals, bowing, and the sign of the cross, making worship a highly symbolic and meaningful experience. The diocese adheres to the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds as its statement of faith.