The Global Anglicanism Project is the only research project that that focuses on identifying patterns of Anglican spiritual practices and leadership formation that shape Christian identity, vocation and mission.  The pilot phase study focused on local congregational and community life in four sites: Brazil, North India, New Zealand, and Tanzania.  Two hundred focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with over 1000 persons between 2002 and 2004.  It lifts up ordinary people’s stories of mission and ministry in action, by people who are making a difference in the communities where they live and work.  Some of the the learnings the GAP has identified include:

· Anglicans are translating Christian expressions of worship and spirituality into local culture
· Young people forge new patterns of spiritual practice and mission
· The Anglican Church is growing
· Evangelism is central to the life of the local congregation 
· Anglicans are innovative leaders who effect renewal and change in society
· Anglicans are creating social capital in their communities
· The Anglican Church is equipping and empowering lay and clerical leadership
· Anglicans are mobilizing against injustice and poverty in their society
· Leaders in the Anglican Church are influential leaders in civil society
· Anglicans are succeeding in resolving conflict and in peace making
· Anglicans are at the forefront in combating HIV/AIDS pandemic and other crises
· Anglicans make a unique contribution to fostering relationships with other faith groups

The report of the pilot phase entitled “The Vitality and Promise of Being Anglican” serves as an excellent study guide for adult education groups and as a tool for educating new Episcopalians.  The report details the finding of the GAP pilot phase research and has been disseminated to every diocese in the Anglican Communion and every congregation in the Episcopal Church.

Pages  1-15 (pdf format)       Pages 16-25 (pdf format)

Pages 26-38 (pdf format)        Pages 39-49 (pdf format)

Consultations are currently underway to discern and develop the next phase of GAP.  The Foundation will be utilizing the research data gathered from the pilot phase to develop products and programs that inform U.S. congregations about the Anglican Communion and challenge Episcopalians to engage in a wide variety of global mission and ministry opportunities that will strengthened and forge new relationships between U.S. congregations and Anglicans around the Communion.

The GAP is governed by a Global Reference Group composed of 22 Anglican leaders from 14 countries around the world.  Refer to   The Episcopal Church Foundation functions as the Secretariat for GAP.  A Management Committee oversees policy decisions and a team of six researchers from four countries makes up the Research Team, in partnership with local partners in each site. 

For additional information about the Global Anglicanism Project contact Maurice Seaton