Two Anglican churches in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Christ Church Plano and All Saints Dallas, recently partnered in hosting the Rev. Canon Dr. Andrew White, Vicar of Baghdad, at their churches, raising more than $200,000 for Canon White’s ongoing missionary efforts in Iraq. “The wonderful links we have in the Anglican world brought us all together and gave the people of our two churches a common purpose: to uphold and support a vital ministry,” said the Very Rev. Canon David H. Roseberry, rector of Christ Church Plano.
Canon White is the Vicar of St. George’s Church, just outside the Green Zone, in Baghdad, Iraq. This congregation is the only remaining Anglican church in the country. He is also the President of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East, which promotes peaceful relations and mutual respect amongst religious groups and their members, as well as provides humanitarian aid and assistance to persons and communities in need.
All Saints Dallas hosted an afternoon tea with Canon White on Saturday, September 20, andChrist Church (Plano) welcomed Canon White as the guest preacher in their services on the morning of Sunday, September 21.As the special guest preacher, Canon White offered his unique perspective on ministry within Iraq and the Middle East, including his role mediating and reestablishing the dialogue between conflicting groups.
One attendee remarked that Canon White’s “convictions and courage bring an authenticity to his story, but it was the stories themselves that moved [his] heart.” The Very Rev. Canon David H. Roseberry, the founding pastor of Christ Church, called Canon White “one of the most unique, God-inspired Anglican leaders of our generation.”
Though he expected his congregation to give generously, Fr. Roseberry said he was blown away by the tremendous outpouring of love for Canon White.
Overwhelmed by the generosity of church members and attendees, Fr. Roseberry said that “the people of All Saints and Christ Church clearly felt a deep conviction to help this man stand for God’s love in Christ in the midst of trouble. Our hearts were moved to hear, and so very glad to give.”
Fr. Roseberry attributed the incredible amount of money raised for Canon White to the strong ties and communion of the Anglican world.
“The wonderful links we have in the Anglican world brought us all together and gave the people of our two churches a common purpose: to uphold and support a vital ministry.”
After his visit, Canon White profusely thanked both churches, telling Fr. Roseberry that the weekend was a “total joy.” “It was one of the places I have enjoyed visiting most in our entire ministry. I very much look forward to a return visit,” he said.
To learn more about Canon White’s missionary efforts in Iraq or to donate, please visit The American Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East’s website.
