Despite the attempts of some to downplay the seriousness of the current situation in which tens of thousands of once loyal Episcopalians are leaving TEC, with no end in sight, the Episcopal Church is in a state of chaos. It is our belief that unless the current downward spiral is reversed, current and future charges of abandonment of communion will be a moot point. Within the not-too-distant future, if things continue as they currently are, there won’t be a communion to abandon. If the current on-going depositions of bishops and priests are intended to stop the mass exodus out of TEC, it isn’t working, but rather having the opposite effect. More and more clergy and laity are reaching the point that they can no longer accept or tolerate the recent theological innovations that have become so pervasive throughout much of The Episcopal Church’s leadership. The current attacks directed against the theologically conservative orthodox Christians within TEC are not scaring or intimidating them, but rather angering and emboldening them. With each new attack, more fuel is thrown on the fire. The depositions and lawsuits must stop. What type of example are we setting for our children and the rest of the world? What are we saying about how Episcopalians treat one another? Jesus commands us to love our enemy; to love our neighbor as we love ourselves; to love one another as He loves us. Clearly many in the Episcopal Church have not heard or listened to His command, when it comes to the way we relate to one another within TEC and the wider Anglican Communion.
The Standing Committee and Bishop of Albany call upon the House of Bishops, the House of Deputies and all involved in the current theological war to call a truce, enabling The Episcopal Church to refocus our time, energy and resources on the difficult but necessary process of figuring out how Christians who passionately hold what appear to be irreconcilable differences in the understanding and interpretation of Holy Scripture and its authority on our lives as well as issues of human sexuality, can move forward in building up the Kingdom of God by sharing the love and Good News of Jesus Christ with all who will receive it. For far too long we have been consumed by politically-charged agendas to the detriment of the Church and the building up of the Kingdom of God. May God give us the grace, the wisdom, the compassion, the humility we need to discern His will, moving forward in His Name to His honor and glory and to the benefit of His Church and people.
There will be no truce, since Jefferts Schori has said there’ll be none. And we know that her word is “law,” don’t we, folks?
“The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017”
If that’s really the only place the letter went, it’ll never make it to the HoB. (Unless they read blogs – wonder if Beers had internet access disabled for the Bishops as well)
Like Dr. Johnson’s second marriages, the triumph of hope over experience.
A good, strong, plain written letter which gives the bottom line to the HOB. It ain’t working folks. If the bishops let this come to a vote, win – lose – draw – it is over.
[b]YES!! YES!! YES!! YES!![/b]
GO to it Bp Bill!!!! Thank you; thank you.
At last!!!!
You have been asking us to sit tight and wait so that you could stand up and fight the good fight, and here it is. We knew you had it in you!!!
Know that the vast majority of the clergy and people of Albany stand right with you and will back you up all the way.
And similar encouragement, kudos and blessings to our Standing Committee as well.
It IS indeed time to stop hiding and trying to fly “under the radar” and to TAKE A STAND!
[b]YAY YAY[/b]
I am truly proud to be part of the Diocese of Albany.
#2, the top of the blog entry at Transfigurations says it was distributed at the HoB meeting.
Here’s what I just posted at StandFirm:
Fabulous to see this. An answer to prayer. And NOT too much of a surprise, I’m thankful to say.
I had the joy of attending the New Wineskins missions conference in North Carolina in April 2007. Bishop Bill was there. There was an evening during the conference when all of those who wished spent time in prayer seeking fresh anointing from the Lord for our ministries. Bp. Bill was part of that group, and there was a word of knowledge spoken publicly that night re: a special anointing of boldness for him. I’ve been anticipating seeing him take a stand in a public way at some point when the time was right.
I’m so thankful for his faithfulness and that of the Albany Standing Committee.
Thanks be to God!
Ralph,
The note I saw said it was to be distributed; it’s dated the 16th, and the note says “To be distributed Sept 18th”, which is today, of course. My hunch is an email distribution and then hard copy handouts at the HOB meeting. Certainly, as you suggest, a mail out, left in the hands of an office clerk today, would never get to the bishops during the meeting.
But there is no other physical address for the House of Bishops, so the correspondance protocol, I’m sure, is being followed here. One more little message that says, “Let’s do things the right way.”
Amen!
Thanks be to God that introducing it at the meeting makes the disagreement a public issue and the whole Duncan affair a legitimate story for solid news reporting even by TEC house organs.
Excellent Letter. But alas, the HoB apparently have voted to depose Bishop Duncan. What a tragic action but here in the diocese of Pgh we stand firm in God’s promise to work for good for those who love God.
Some may see the “deposition” which just took place as a tragedy. I do not believe that to be the case. Remaining in TEC is a tragedy. Now, another diocese can walk free from it. More and more will follow.
Called Albany. Letter was distributed at HoB; not mailed to 815.