On the Institution of the Feast of the Founders
Addressed to Anglican Diocese of Erie
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On November 2, 1897, the Free Protestant Episcopal Church of England was formed with the union of the Free Protestant Church, the Ancient British Church, and the Nazarene Episcopal Church. Over the course of our 126-year history, the Anglican Free Communion International has grown to seven provinces with over 200 churches globally. It seems only fitting at this time that we add a feast day in recognition of three founders of our church: Bishop Leon Checkemian, Bishop James Martin, and Bishop Andrew Albert MacLaglen. Because of the work of these three men, all of us have found a spiritual home where the *via media* is not just a phrase that we toss around, but the very core of who we are as a diocese and a Communion.
Therefore, as the first bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Erie, I am hereby declaring that November 4th will now and in perpetuity be celebrated in recognition of our founders — Bishop Leon Checkemian, Bishop James Martin, and Bishop Andrew Albert MacLaglen — in any and all churches of the Anglican Diocese of Erie. Please find the attached liturgical guidelines with this letter.
I remain your servant in Christ, ✠ Brent