A Gathering Marked by Prayer, Repentance, and Reflection
We assembled in a moment that demanded humility and seriousness. Throughout our time together, we prayed the Offices and portions of the Litany, allowing the reading of the Scriptures and the rhythms of prayer to shape our conversations, anchor our reflections, and keep the cross of Christ before us.
As we reflected on our shared episcopal ministry, including the many ways God has borne fruit through it, we acknowledged areas where we have not fully met the high calling entrusted to us. We recognized moments of weakness in our relationships with one another, instances where our courage has flagged, and occasions when we lacked attentiveness or care for the flock committed to us. In humility, we sought forgiveness from the Lord and from one another. We also recognize that, at times, these weaknesses have fallen short of the expectations the Province rightly has for its leaders. In a spirit of honest repentance, we express sorrow for the hurt that these shortcomings have caused, and we ask the clergy and people of the Anglican Church in North America to forgive us where we have not lived up to the sacred trust placed in us.
Matters Requiring Honest Assessment
During our meeting, we heard from those bishops who had prior awareness of the presentment that was later filed against Archbishop Steve Wood. This required us to engage in forthright conversation about the responsibilities of episcopal oversight, the need to speak truthfully among ourselves, and the necessity of guarding the integrity of our common life. We did not pass over these matters lightly. The discussion was undertaken with seriousness, candor, and a commitment to rebuild confidence where it has been shaken.
We acknowledged that there is a lack of clarity in certain areas of our disciplinary canons. This lack of clarity has contributed to confusion and frustration within the Province. We noted with gratitude that the proposed canonical revisions presently before the Church begin to address these ambiguities and strengthen our accountability to one another and to the people of God. It was clear throughout our deliberations that there is a significant deficit of trust toward the College of Bishops. We received this soberly. We recognize that trust cannot be demanded, and we will endeavor to grow in grace so that, by God’s help, we may become increasingly trustworthy.
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