“This is a continuing process of discernment and clarification of the relationship of the Episcopal Church with the whole Anglican Communion” as regards church polity, the ordination of Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire and other issues arising from that decision, Bishop David Alvarez of Puerto Rico told reporters at an evening news conference.
“Through this process we have proven the quality of life of this church in which we can talk openly with each other and in which we can differ but also pray together,” he added.
He was joined by Bishop J. Neil Alexander of Atlanta and Bishop J. Jon Bruno of Los Angeles, who called earlier reports about a draft document inaccurate. “There is no draft at this point,” Alexander said emphatically. “We’ve made enormous progress today in building a very strong and broad consensus in the House of Bishops but we still have work to do.”
In Wonderland, the definition of “great progress” changes moment by moment. “Progress” in what direction? In furtherance of what agenda? Toward what goal?
[blockquote] “There is no draft at this point,” Alexander said emphatically. “We’ve made enormous progress today in building a very strong and broad consensus in the House of Bishops but we still have work to do.”[/blockquote]
So, what is it exactly that they were asked to start over from? Oh, it just must have been some “working papers”, not a draft or even a preliminary report. Gosh, that’s why J. Neil is such a joy to have as a bishop, he’s so open, honest, and forthright. Can’t you just feel the honesty and open handedness radiating from him?
RSB
RS Bunker, your comment reminds us of something we’ve not posted. Here in the comments seems as good a place as any. We are aware that a number of bishops have sent our “urgent” e-mails to deny that there was any statement released yesterday. Apparently they don’t like their preliminary drafts being exposed to internet scrutiny. Imagine that.
Here’s an example from +Don Johnson of West Tennessee, sent to us by a kind reader via e-mail:
[blockquote]Dear friends,
Following the September 24 morning session of the House of Bishops,
reports claiming to give, in part or whole, a message from the Bishops to the larger Church have been appearing on various websites and blogs.
These reported official statements of the House of Bishops are not true. A clearly marked document entitled “A Preliminary Draft for Discussion Purposes Only” was presented to the Bishops by an ad hoc writing committee of the House. It was given to the House of Bishops solely for the purpose of giving a starting place for our formal deliberations scheduled for later in the meeting at our official business session. As a result, those preliminary discussions have already resulted in a number of suggested ways to strengthen, clarify and expand the Bishop’s anticipated response when the
time is right. Therefore, do not be confused by this early release of
the preliminary document intended “for discussion purposes only.”
Our official statement will be coming in the next two days. Thank you. +Don[/blockquote]