“From a personal perspective, yes, you are correct – I do not ordain women to the priesthood. But I came into the ACNA knowing that other dioceses do ordain women. But now I am in a new position; I am the Archbishop of all the clergy in the church – including the women clergy. I will treat them with respect and honor, and I hope they will do the same with me – even though we are in different places on this issue.”

VOL: First of all congratulations on becoming the second Archbishop of the ACNA. Were you surprised in being elected?

ABP. BEACH: Yes and no. Yes, because the College of Bishops are full of some of the most godliest men I have ever known, and for them to believe I was the one whom the Lord has anointed for this task is quite humbling. On the other hand, AB Duncan asked us back in January to go back home and prepare as if we were the one who was elected since there isn’t much transition time. During these past months, the Spirit has been stirring my soul so I knew something was up – just wasn’t quite sure what.

VOL: Can you tell us anything about the process, or is the process as secretive as the cardinals in Rome electing a pope? Were there a number of ballots? Were you elected on the first ballot?

ABP. BEACH: No, I can’t. Sorry. We made a vow together before the Lord that we would be silent about our time in the Conclave.

VOL: Will you move the headquarters to Atlanta your home base or will you and your wife
move to Pittsburgh?

ABP. BEACH: The Archbishop remains the bishop of his diocese so it would be difficult to do that from Pittsburgh. The Office of the Archbishop will move to Atlanta. The question is really about the Provincial Office. My plan is to learn and listen from the staff and others for about 6 months, and see what is best for the Province and my style of leadership.

VOL: Will you continue as Bishop of the South (ACNA)? Will you need another bishop to support your local ministry in the south for pastoral visitation or do you think you can combine all these activities?

ABP. BEACH: In our planning of possible scenarios, it became clear to us that if this happened we would need Episcopal assistance to care for the diocese. I plan to bring in an Assisting Bishop to help me serve and minister to the people of ADOTS by assisting with Parish visitations and clergy care.

VOL: On the issue of women’s ordination, I gather you are opposed to it. Therefore will you continue the “period of reception” we are now in or demand a moratorium or bring the issue up for discussion and voting in a future ACNA House of Bishops conference?

ABP BEACH: Let me answer this from three different aspects. First, from the College of Bishops perspective, it would be wrong for me to usurp or undermine a process which all of us have agreed to follow. We have a study underway which has all voices a part of the discussion. When this study is completed, it will be presented to the GAFCON theological Committee for their input, and sent back to the College. At that time, the College will discuss, pray, and decide what is best for good order in the Church on this issue. Second, from a personal perspective, yes, you are correct – I do not ordain women to the priesthood. But I came into the ACNA knowing that other dioceses do ordain women. But now I am in a new position; I am the Archbishop of all the clergy in the church – including the women clergy. I will treat them with respect and honor, and I hope they will do the same with me – even though we are in different places on this issue. We are Christians, and people should be able to see how we love one another, even though we disagree on this issue. Third, this presenting issue is going to be with us for a while as the Anglican Communion and even our GAFCON brothers and sisters hold different positions.

VOL: You are a passionate believer in church planting. Will that be the major theme of your episcopacy? If not, what will be the thrust of your ministry?

ABP BEACH: Yes, we will continue the emphasis on Church Planting. This is so important to re-evanglizing North America. Having only been elected the Archbishop a few days, I really don’t know yet the whole vision the Lord has for us. But knowing how He has used me in the past, I think you could expect emphases on prayer, personal
discipleship, churchmanship, evangelism, children and youth ministry, ministry to young adults, leadership development, and a teaching ministry emphasizing the application of the Scriptures to one’s life. I would also expect more and more interaction with our GAFCON partners and mission opportunities around the world.

VOL: Do you have any specific goals for your ministry? For example, ACNA claims 112,000 souls, in nearly 1,000 congregations, would you like to see that double in your first five years? Do you have a specific goal in mind?

ABP BEACH: I expect that we will continue to grow numerically, but what I get fired up about is people growing spiritually. We have too many Church-Christians, and not enough Real-Life Christians – meaning they truly “go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” Too many of us have already forgotten that by the time we leave the church parking lot!

VOL: You have a background with the non-denominational Young Live Ministry. Do you have any goals in reaching Millennials for Christ? They are the most unchurched group in America today and the hardest to reach with the gospel?

ABP BEACH: Yes. Yes. Yes! The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Pray ye (BEG) to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the harvest.

VOL: The culture is now post-Christian, do you have any program or specific ideas of how to reach a generation who knows not the Lord or even has much memory of the Christian Faith?

ABP BEACH: David, we are in for tough days ahead as followers of Jesus. The best way to transform the culture is for Church people to become disciples of Jesus and live out their faith in the market place, schools, and social gatherings. We have let the culture intimidate us and shut us up. It is time to repent and stop being ashamed of the Lord and his Word. I could preach a series of sermons on this!

VOL: Have you heard from any of the Global South Primates with congratulatory notes or emails?

ABP BEACH: Yes, I have. I have also been receiving texts, emails, Facebook posts, and tweets from priests and bishops all around the world. It is really quite amazing. As far as the primates, I have been with Eliud Wabukala (Kenya) , Stanley Ntagali (Uganda) and Tito Zavala (Southern Cone). I had a delightful conversation with Nicholas Okoh (Nigeria) on the phone and he prayed with and for me. I have been with Glen Davies (Sydney) and we prayed together as well. Last night I had dinner with Stephen Than (Myamar), Henri Isingoma (Congo), Mouneer Anis (Middle East and Jerusalem; chair of Global South Primates), Datuk Bolly (SE Asia), and all were supportive and enthusiastic about my election and the future shared ministry together.

VOL: Thank you archbishop.

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