Following the Executive Council's special session on Apri1 13, Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold spoke with The Living Church magazine's News Editor Steve Waring about the day's events.

TLC: Many council members credit you and your leadership with keeping the group together and producing a result with which most seem reasonably satisfied. What did you say?

Bishop Griswold: I tried, as I usually do, to listen to all voices, to make sure that all voices were heard and then test with the group where I thought the conversation seemed to be going.

TLC: Some also credited Margaret Larom (the new executive director of the Anglican and Global Relations office at the Episcopal Church Center) and her presentation on “Instruments of Community.” What did she say?

Bishop Griswold: I think she gave us a larger picture as to the many networks, commissions and other initiatives within the Anglican Communion and she pointed out that there is more to Anglican unity than the ACC, although, as we stated in the letter, the ACC is very important to us and to the Communion.

TLC: We learned that you were on retreat last week. What did you think about? Did you use part of that time to reflect on what you might say to council?

Bishop Griswold: When I was on retreat, I only thought about Jesus and my relationship with him. I thought about and prayed for the Church, of course, but not specifically for the Executive Council meeting. I tried to be open to the Spirit’s movement. The retreat prepares me for whatever is coming next. For me, it is an opportunity to walk in companionship with Christ.

TLC: Some would say there was a lot riding on this meeting. Were you nervous beforehand about how things would go?

Bishop Griswold: I have great respect for Executive Council and I was confident they would make a wise decision. I merely tried to serve their decision-making process.

Read more on Executive Council’s decision here:

· Council to Send Observers to ACC Meeting

· Archbishop of Canterbury Commends Executive Council Letter

· Bishops Affirm Loyalty to Communion

· Bishop Sauls: Firm Desire to Remain in Communion

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