Prior to the 1978 Lambeth Conference of the Anglican Communion in England, a meeting was held to address the need for spiritual renewal in the Anglican Church. A group of 300 international clergy and bishops gathered in worship and prayer in Canterbury. There was an outpouring of God’s Spirit that filled those in the room. A prophetic word was declared in Canterbury Cathedral, which formed the basis for Sharing of Ministries Abroad (SOMA).

In 1979, the Rev. Michael Harper established the first SOMA national organization in the United Kingdom. Other SOMA “national bodies” were established in the United States (1985), Canada, Australia, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, Singapore, Uganda, Nigeria, Latin America, and Malaysia. From its founding, SOMA has served to connect church leaders internationally and build up the Body both overseas and in the sending country as well—its ministry is “from everywhere to everywhere.”

SOMA USA played a vital role in the formation of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA), the provincial Anglican body overseeing the United States, Canada and Mexico. The international relationships established leading up to the global realignment period of 2007-2009 proved invaluable in the establishment of our province. The Rev. Canon Phil Ashey, President & CEO of the AAC, spoke to the value of SOMA's ministry: "ln the Global realignment of Anglicanism, [SOMA provides] a way to connect with each other from Province to Province that is truly biblical, Spirit-filled and missional.” SOMA USA continues sending short-term missions throughout the Church worldwide, with a vision to change the world for Jesus Christ, one mission at a time.