In 1998 I was a pastor in a Congregational Church in Scarborough, Ontario and was discerning what God was calling me to next. Having always been a 'high church' congregationalist, I began considering following the Canterbury trail (as they say) in the next part of my journey.

Most people considering changing churches would simply arrange to visit. This is more problematic for a working pastor. My visits were limited to Ascension Day at Saint Mary Magdalene, Evensongs at Saint James Cathedral, and the Sunday Evening Eucharist at Little Trinity. VERY different experiences. All of them wonderful.

Anglicans Online offered me another wonderful and ultimately more helpful window into the Anglican world and approach to spirituality and church life.

The generosity of spirit which you wrote about in your most recent letter was perhaps the most compelling aspect of Anglicanism for me. The meanness of some of our church debates recently disappoints me greatly. Makes me want to say, 'But you are supposed to be the Anglicans!'

I'd like to thank Anglicans Online and all the webmasters around the world who opened your virtual doors to me when I was a stranger and a seeker. You helped me greatly in my discernment. I am very, very excited now to be serving as a priest in the Diocese of Niagara.

Thanks very much and congratulations on the anniversary.

Peace,

The Reverend David J. Anderson
All Saints' and Saint John's (The Ridge Parish)
Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada
anderson@ridgeparish.com