Another South Carolina Rector Writes his Parish About recent Developments

To All the Saints,

Please pray with me.

Almighty and ever living God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Prayer Book, page 818)

I want to first and foremost remind you of the called parish meeting for this Sunday after the 10:30 service. We will grab some refreshments in the parish hall, have a brief presentation and then the vestry and I will attempt to answer any and all of your questions about the Diocese, All Saints, and the national church. In the meantime, let me refer you to our Diocesan web site and this article containing frequently asked questions and answers.
I know that many of you are wondering what all this means for you, me and our life at All Saints? It is very clear: We are part of the Diocese of South Carolina, a member of the world wide Anglican Communion holding the faith of the Apostles handed down to us. How will it change our life? Not at all. We continue to be faithful to the Biblically centered leadership of our Diocese.

Personally, I cannot begin to tell you how painful this is for me and I know that I am not alone in this feeling. I know of several clergy who have been in tears over this. They know our disaffiliation is right, but for (a lifelong and) any Episcopalian (for that matter), this is tough.

Between now and then, please read the website of the Diocese of South Carolina. Finally let me say this: These are very emotional times, but in the words of Jeremiah, “we are entering a new season of health and wholeness. A time of building and planting.”

Please pray for the leadership of our Diocese and the leadership of All Saints as together we walk faithfully and humbly in Christ to transform hearts through Jesus Christ.
Please pray for the Church.

–(The Rev.) Karl Burns is rector, All Saints Church, Florence, South Carolina.