In 2010, I will also be putting together a special task force to review the issues that may arise from General Convention in 2012 and to create a strategy with a means of leading into the following Convention as opposed to reacting to it.<\/p>\n
Such a strategy will help us navigate what is already a turbulent time, with a steady course. This will help us to live within a relationship of mutual affection for both the structures of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Moreover, we must discover how we in the Diocese of Texas are going to move through these next few years together for the sake of the Gospel, Christ, all of God\u2019s people, for justice and for peace, and for the mission of the Church. Let me be clear, we have got to learn to live together, how we discern the outward and visible signs of that life together, and the daily living out of Church, as our common work \u201d\u201c not only the work of your bishop.<\/p>\n
We will be tempted by cynicism to say this work can\u2019t be done; but the scripture reminds us of God\u2019s desire to gather us all under his wing. We will be tempted by our ego to say we cannot work with the enemy; but the scripture tells us go with a friend to our brother and sister and be reconciled one to another before offering a sacrifice at the Lord\u2019s Table.We will be tempted to say I have tried to speak but they will not hear, but we must be reminded of Christ\u2019s model of listening first to the other. We will be tempted by our fear to say it\u2019s just better if we don\u2019t talk about it at all; but we know \u201cto you all our hearts are open, all desires known, and no secrets are hid.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n