St. Michael the Archangel Anglican Church
Post Office Box 392
Westfield, Indiana 46074
PRESS RELEASE
January 10, 2007
For Immediate Release
Orthodox Anglican Church Launches in Central Indiana
Two Episcopal clergy retire in order to staff the orthodox Anglican Congregation in Central Indiana
St. Michael the Archangel Anglican Church officially launched on January 1, 2007. The Church will focus upon the formation and development of orthodox Anglican Congregations, as well as cell groups, in central Indiana. Close to 100 people attended the inaugural service on Sunday, January 7, 2007!
St. Michael the Archangel is a missionary Church covered under the authority of the Anglican Diocese of Bolivia. The Reverend Dr. Tom Tirman, Priest, and the Reverend Chuck Conover, Deacon, officially retired from active ministry in the Episcopal Church on December 31, 2006. Fr. Tirman was the Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Anderson, Indiana in the Diocese of Indianapolis. Dcn. Conover was also on staff at Trinity. Prior to that Fr. Tirman was the priest at the Episcopal Church in Noblesville, Indiana.
Fr. Tirman and Deacon Conover requested acceptance as clergy in the Diocese of Bolivia from the Right Reverend Frank Lyons, Bishop of Bolivia and were accepted as clergy in the Diocese of Bolivia on January 1st. The Diocese of Bolivia is a part of the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone, the Most Reverend Gregory Venables, Archbishop, and currently has over 30 congregations here in the United States.
Recent decisions and actions in the Episcopal Church over the past few years placed the Episcopal and its member Dioceses and churches, in a state of "impaired Communion," or even "excommunicated" from the majority of the worldwide Anglican Church. Many Dioceses and Churches across the country have requested alternative oversight from conservative Bishops and jurisdictions. In places without viable alternatives, many people have left the Episcopal Church. Father Tirman and Deacon Conover are committed to providing and developing that alternative orthodox structure here in Indiana.
Fr. Tirman, a life-long Episcopalian, was ordained in 1989. Deacon Conover, a member of the Episcopal Church since the early 1950’s, was ordained in 1992. They chose to seek the transfer of their Orders to remain in “Full Communion” with the worldwide Anglican Church, and to develop orthodox Anglican Congregations that will all remain as full constituent members of the world-wide Anglican Communion as well.
As a full member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, St. Michael the Archangel is now a member of the Northern Convocation of the Anglican Diocese of Bolivia. Bishop Lyons has encouraged all his clergy to the work of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) mandated by our Lord! St. Michael the Archangel will do this by gathering groups throughout the area and developing them into congregations committed to making disciples of all nations.
One worship site has already been developed. Beginning on January 7th, and then continuing each Sunday, the Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at Davis Park UMC at 1:00 PM. Directions can be found on our website www.IndianaAnglican.com The public is invited and encouraged to attend!
If you or your group is interested in developing a congregation in your area, or if you would like further information, please visit us on the web at www.IndianaAnglican.com or call us at 317-522-1924
MORE INFORMATION: Contact Fr. Tom Tirman at 317-522-1924
