Received with thanks from the diocese of Utah–KSH<\/i>.<\/p>\n
October 27, 2007<\/p>\n
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
\nThe Episcopal Church Center
\n815 Second Avenue
\nNew York NY 10017-4503<\/p>\n
Dear Katharine:<\/p>\n
\tWith reference to your letter of October 17 inviting us to comment on the Archbishop of Canterbury\u2019s recent and urgent request of you, The Episcopal Diocese of Utah\u201d\u201dBishop, Deputation, Diocesan Council, Standing Committee and Diocesan Convention\u201d\u201dmake the following recommendation in the \u201cnext steps\u201d\u009d part of the request:<\/p>\n
\tWe urge you to ask the Archbishop to cancel the Lambeth Conference for 2008.<\/p>\n
EXPLANATION:
\n\u201d\u00a2\tThe Communion is in such disarray over who recognizes whom, and the participation of \u201cirregularly consecrated\u201d\u009d bishops, that little good can come from the fragmented gatherings sure to take place at the Conference, and even attendance at common worship is unlikely.
\n\u201d\u00a2\tWe are unclear about the \u201cother issues\u201d\u009d being raised around the Communion, although the Archbishop suggests they are \u201cvery specific.\u201d\u009d Within the constitution and canons of our church we have responded faithfully and courteously to the demands of others, even though questioning their authority to set the conditions of our continued participation in the Communion.
\n\u201d\u00a2\tWe are leery about using the occasion of the Conference to present a Covenant that is exclusionary, that centralizes authority, or that adds to the core doctrine of our faith.
\n\u201d\u00a2\tThe cost of holding the Lambeth Conference under the present circumstances is disproportionate to its benefits, and to the good we can do elsewhere in the mission of the church.
\n\u201d\u00a2\tGiven the disarray we referred to above, we think that a Lambeth Conference in the near future would be disastrous to our public image around the world.<\/p>\n
\tWe send you our love and prayers, rejoicing in your strong and grace-filled leadership in these challenging times.<\/p>\n
Faithfully,<\/p>\n
Carolyn Tanner Irish (The Rt. Rev.)
\n10th Bishop of Utah<\/p>\n
CTI\/mkw<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Received with thanks from the diocese of Utah–KSH. October 27, 2007 The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori The Episcopal Church Center 815 Second Avenue New York NY 10017-4503 Dear Katharine: With reference to your letter of October 17 inviting us…<\/span><\/p>\n