Anglicans United & Latimer Press

The U.S. bishops, meeting in New Orleans, were responding to a demand by the conservative Anglican majority overseas to renounce their pro-gay policies by Sunday, or face censure or even expulsion from the 72 million- member communion.

However, conservative churches in Colorado won't buy the bishops' carefully worded compromise, the Rev. Jim Paul, of Fort Collins predicted Tuesday.
"We've heard all this before," Paul said.

Paul said his 225 parishioners at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Fort Collins will announce on Sunday's deadline whether they plan to leave the diocese for a more compatible Anglican organization. He expects other Colorado churches to make similar decisions.

"They're being very quiet out there, but we know other parishes are lined up behind us," he said.
Dissent has been brewing in the Episcopal Church USA for years, with conservatives calling for a return to traditional teachings on marriage and scriptural authority.

In 2000, the first wave of conservative parishes began bolting the Colorado diocese. The loss of 13 clergy and the majority of members at six parishes was, at the time, the nation's largest Episcopal defection.
Paul said he has met with O'Neill to discuss whether St. Andrew's could buy or lease the Fort Collins property if it left the diocese. He said O'Neill indicated he was willing to consider options if church law permitted it.
The cordial situation at St. Andrew's is only one of several ways the national schism is unfolding.

Several weeks ago, O'Neill and the Rev. Chuck Reeder had a polite but chilly parting when Reeder and the vestry resigned from Church of the Holy Comforter in Broomfield. They expect to be joined by an unspecified number of parishioners in a new Anglican church. O'Neill expressed sadness at the loss but forced Reeder and the others to leave three weeks early.

The ugliest scenario has locked the diocese and the Rev. Don Armstrong in a grip of lawsuits. Armstrong is fighting the diocese for control of the landmark Grace Church & St. Stephen's in Colorado Springs. A church court found him guilty of financial wrongs and sparked a criminal investigation. Armstrong says he's innocent and being persecuted for his conservative beliefs.

torkelsonj@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5055

The departure is one of many across the United States by former Episcopalians who believe the church, the American arm of the worldwide Anglican Communion, has turned its back on its own traditions and become too liberal.

A leader of the group that left Christ Church of the Ascension at the end of August says the decision had nothing to do with a statement issued Tuesday by American bishops attempting to appease fellow church leaders on the gay issue.

Christ Church of the Ascension, at 4015 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, is one of the largest and most prosperous Episcopalian parishes in Arizona. The late Sen. Barry Goldwater, who donated some of its land, worshiped there, and his ashes are interred there.

The church has approximately 1,000 members.

Christ Church Anglican, the breakaway group, has about 150 members who will worship at a church at 20th Street and Bethany Home Road. The first service will be at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 7.

The gay issue was "inconsequential" in the breakaway group's decision, said Jane Allred, a leader of the new church. Instead, she said, the motivation was respect for traditional Anglican values.

"We are leaving to follow Christ's call as we understand it," Allred said. "We want to be part of a Scriptural church that is biblically orthodox, and the Episcopal Church is no longer teaching the basic and ancient truths."

The rector of Christ Church of the Ascension, who also is leaving the parish, agreed that the gay issue is just a part of a bigger issue that could divide the Anglican Communion from the Episcopal Church.

"The gay stuff is minor," said the Rev. Ken Semon, who declined to lead the breakaway group. "It's about the Episcopal Church failing to acknowledge the authority of Scripture."

Semon said he will move to Santa Fe to lead a conservative parish that remains affiliated with the Episcopal Church.

"Since I have friends on both sides of the divide," Semon said Tuesday, "I decided that this would not betray anyone or hurt anyone any more than they already have been hurt."

Semon said his decision took place as "the parish was about to split because the bishop was threatening the conservative majority that he would sue us if we aligned with a conservative Anglican group."

Arizona Bishop Kirk Smith denied making a threat but said that under church policy, parish property is owned by the diocese.

The breakaway church will affiliate under the archbishop of Uganda, Henry Luke Orombi. It is one of about 30 groups nationally to join the Ugandan church.

Numerous others have allied with other African dioceses, including former members of St. James Episcopal Church in Tempe, who with their pastor left in 2005 to form Living Faith Anglican Church, affiliated with the bishop of Rwanda.

Smith said he had appointed a new pastor for Christ Church of the Ascension, Philip Jackson, who will be "traditional but loyal."

As for the departing group, Smith said, "With some Godspeed, I hope they find someplace where they will be happy."

We gathered at the invitation of presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and of the House of Bishops in order to converse with them about the current tensions encountered in the life of the communion.

On Monday 24 September, the Joint Standing Committee met in formal session to reflect on the conversations, both formal and informal, in which they had participated over the previous four days.

The Committee would like to express their profound thanks to the Presiding Bishop and to the House of Bishops for the generosity and graciousness of the welcome that they have received.

They had also been invited by Bishop Charles Jenkins and the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana to witness something of the ministry of the Church, as it plays its part in the healing and renewal of the City of New Orleans in the wake of hurricane Katrina. So, after two days of engagement and listening on the Thursday and Friday, members of the
Joint Standing Committee joined members of the House of Bishops and their spouses in participating in active mission projects in the city of New Orleans so grievously affected by Hurricane Katrina.

The past few days have been a time of enormous learning and growth in mutual understanding. At the same time, the conversation has been honest, direct and even painful at times. The Committee is conscious that some of its members, in reflecting the very real concerns of the wider Communion, have spoken in a way which could be seen as challenging or even offensive to the Bishops of the Episcopal Church. Nevertheless, it has been important that each side has been honest, and free to speak the message which has been laid on their hearts. The words of the
members of the Archbishop and of the Joint Standing Committee were met with patience, generosity and an intensity of debate on the Monday and Tuesday which illustrates how seriously the concerns of the wider
Communion are taken by the Episcopal House of Bishops.

The Joint Standing Committee is also conscious that the very life of the Communion is standing at a crossroads at present. The Anglican Communion is a family of 44 autonomous churches. There is no central body which can pass judgement or issue directions for the life of the Communion. At the same time, however, it is the responsibility of the Instruments of Communion to enable conversation and discernment between the provinces and churches, and it was in this spirit that the Archbishop of Canterbury and the members of the Joint Standing Committee
have approached this meeting.

A central focus of the discussions has been the requests of the Windsor Report to the Episcopal Church, as amplified by the Primates most recently at Dar es Salaam in February 2007. At that meeting, the primates specifically addressed three questions arising from the Windsor Report to the Episcopal House of Bishops.

The primates had requested clarification on the status of Resolution B033 of the 75th General Convention, and whether this did in fact reflect the request of the Windsor Report for a moratorium on the election and consecration of candidates for the episcopate who were living in a sexual relationship outside of Christian marriage.

Secondly, the primates had asked that the Bishops, as the chief liturgical officers in their dioceses, should mutually undertake not to offer public liturgies for the blessing of same-sex unions.

Thirdly, the primates had offered suggestions for the sort of pastoral care which could be offered in a way which enabled interventions from other provinces to cease.

While the Joint Standing Committee met in formal session on the Monday, the House of Bishops began their consideration of the concerns expressed to them by the wider Communion.

Although their response was not available to the Joint Standing Committee as they concluded their meeting on Tuesday evening, they were briefed before departure by the Presiding Bishop. The formal response of the House of Bishops is now available, and it is the intention of the Joint Standing Committee to consult with one another in the preparation of a report to be submitted to the Archbishop of Canterbury by the end of the week offering an early response to the statement that the House of Bishops have developed.

The Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council are grateful that the Archbishop of Canterbury has indicated that he intends to consult widely with all the Primates and with all members of the Anglican Consultative Council as the Communion discerns the way ahead. We call upon all Christian people to remember the Churches and faithful of the Anglican Communion in their prayers, trusting in the Holy Spirit will guide us into the wholeness of truth and life which is Christ's will for his Church.

London
Thursday, 27 September, 2007

At the Peace, I gave him a note, telling him that you all were praying for him every hour; that we needed his help in sorting out this mess in our Church. I thanked him for coming and signed my name, representing Anglicans United, Dallas, Texas.

It was a tiny taste of heaven. You know, you just look at someone, and you know they love God, follow Jesus and need the Holy Spirit just as much as you do. Many question his leadership style or ability. I no longer question his faith.

Thursday afternoon, he met with real people at All Souls Mission in the Lower 9th Ward at a flooded out Walgreens drug store – the only press opportunity of the day to see him in action. He was present, very real and compassionate with everyone he met. It was a great hour.

The evening ended with a funeral procession by a jazz quartet at the Convention Center. The splendid evening was a celebration with the Archbishop for the people of New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. And I was starkly reminded again why I had come. Was I here for a funeral for the Church home I have known almost 40 years? Maybe.

Today, some 5 days later, the House of Bishops adopted an 8-point Statement that does not change the decisions made by the 2006 General Convention with regard to the consecration of gay and lesbians to the episcopate; or stopping gay blessings. Again, they reiterated that they have not and will not, “authorize public rites for the blessing of same-sex unions.” What about the gay blessings already taking place? The House claims they are allowed as a pastoral response to gay and lesbian persons, cited in the Windsor Report.

The House also endorsed the Presiding Bishop’s plan for Episcopal visitors to demonstrate to the Communion that they are willing and able to take care of ALL of the people in this church. Two more bishops volunteered today for this position, making the total number 8. These are the first four points of the Statement.

Three dioceses: Fort Worth, San Joaquin, and Quincy, do not ordain women and will not accept oversight from a woman bishop. These three said in Friday’s session, that the plan was not adequate, because it still links them to Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori. They will not be related even technically to a female bishop.

Point #5 says that they “deplore the incursions into our jurisdictions by uninvited bishops and call for them to end.” Even with the consecration of Americans to serve these parishes as their bishop, the foreign bishops will continue to come. This issue needs prayer and clear discernment.

Point #6 calls “for increasing implementation of the listening process across the Communion and for a report on its progress to Lambeth 2008.” The Archbishop of Canterbury appointed a Listening Process Coordinator months ago, but that does not guarantee that Provinces with heavy Muslim contingencies and neighbors will oblige. This includes not just Africa, but the Middle East and large portions of South East Asia.

Point #7, “Supports the Archbishop of Canterbury in his expressed desire to explore ways for the Bishop of New Hampshire (V. Gene Robinson) to participate in the Lambeth Conference. To date, Bishop Robinson has not been invited to Lambeth even as an observer. Neither were the Americans consecrated in Africa, a point that will not be lost on the Primates.

Point #8, “We call for unequivocal and active commitment to the civil rights, safety and dignity of gay and lesbian persons.” A commendable idea, but 10 Provinces are either partially or fully governed by Islamic Sharia Law. Acting out as a homosexual in these places is still punishable by either torturous imprisonment or death. Did you hear Ahmadinejad of Iran at Columbia University yesterday? He spoke the current philosophy, “there are no homosexuals in Iran.”

The rest of the statement is 2 pages of explanations on the eight points. The Introduction on page 1, claims that “It is our conviction that The Episcopal Church needs the Anglican Communion, and we heard from our guests that the Anglican Communion needs The Episcopal Church.” It was stated and restated many times that they want and expect to remain a part of the Communion. This House does not expect to take an Associate membership, without major representation on the Councils of the Communion. They do believe that they have adequately explained their polity and the democratic way that this church works, with two houses making decisions and no one house being able to pass anything without the concurrence of the other. This is the opposite of many provinces that only have a House of Bishops. Laity are involved in the local churches and dioceses, but not in the decision making for the national church.

When Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori made the statement at the Press Conference that this Statement represented true sacrifice on the parts of the members of the house, it rang hollow. One reporter (no, not me) asked how she could possibly say that, since they hadn’t acceded to any of the Primate’s requests. The response, ”What was given up and what was compromised reflects the desire of our Bishops to stay in the Communion.”

I may not look to us like anything was sacrificed, but many bishops did not want to endorse B-033 which virtually stops the election of another gay bishop until after the 2009 General Convention, when B-033 will certainly not be renewed. Many already have rites for same-sex blessings but the gay community challenges those rites as being second-class to traditional marriage rites. And make no mistake about it, the gay community watches these things very closely. The gallery had many more homosexuals today than even yesterday. They come, they take notes, they listen and then they follow up with their bishops. They are very determined.

I am very aware that the Common Cause Council of Bishops meeting began this evening in Pittsburgh. It was timed to follow this House of Bishops meeting, so that the resultant Statement can be evaluated and a way forward planned for those who choose a different path. I am also aware that several of the Primates that I know and have spoken with recently will not read good news into today’s Statement. They will read defiance and a refusal to bend.

And so, the tennis match continues. The Primates’ volley, lobbed last February, has definitively been returned by TEC. The next three months will be telling for the Biblically orthodox in this country. I believe many will be forced to make decisions who do not now expect to and some, who have already done so, may have to wait to act on their decision.

But one thing is clear: The New Anglican entity in the US is closer today than it was yesterday. I bid you Peace. Cherie Wetzel, reporting from New Orleans

This will be my last post on the House of Bishops meeting. The next Anglican Voice will be arriving next week, with summaries and pictures of this meeting. I will post a full copy of the statement as soon as it is available tonight. Other reactions to the Statement and breaking news will be on the website daily, starting tomorrow.

"I do it all for the sake of the Gospel so that I might share in its blessings."
1 Corinthians 9:23.

Introduction
The House of Bishops expresses sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Archbishop of Canterbury and members of the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates for accepting our invitation to join us in New Orleans. By their presence they have both honored us and assisted us in our discernment. Their presence was a living reminder of the unity that is Christ's promised gift in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Much of our meeting time was spent in continuing discernment of our relationships within the Anglican Communion. We engaged in careful listening and straightforward dialogue with our guests. We expressed our passionate desire to remain in communion. It is our conviction that The Episcopal Church needs the Anglican Communion, and we heard from our guests that the Anglican Communion needs The Episcopal Church.

The House of Bishops offers the following responses to our Anglican Communion partners. We believe they provide clarity and point toward next steps in an ongoing process of dialogue. Within The Episcopal Church the common discernment of God's call is a lively partnership among laypersons, bishops, priests, and deacons, and therefore necessarily includes the Presiding Bishop, the Executive Council, and the General Convention.

Summary

-We reconfirm that resolution B033 of General Convention 2006 (The Election Of Bishops) calls upon bishops with jurisdiction and Standing Committees "to exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion."
-We pledge as a body not to authorize public rites for the blessing of same-sex unions.
-We commend our Presiding Bishop's plan for episcopal visitors.
-We deplore incursions into our jurisdictions by uninvited bishops and call for them to end.
-We support the Presiding Bishop in seeking communion-wide consultation in a manner that is in accord with our Constitution and Canons.
-We call for increasing implementation of the listening process across the Communion and for a report on its progress to Lambeth 2008.
-We support the Archbishop of Canterbury in his expressed desire to explore ways for the Bishop of New Hampshire to participate in the Lambeth Conference.
-We call for unequivocal and active commitment to the civil rights, safety, and dignity of gay and lesbian persons.

Discussion
Resolution B033 of the 2006 General Convention
The House of Bishops concurs with Resolution EC011 of the Executive Council. This Resolution commends the Report of the Communion Sub-Group of the Joint Standing Committee of the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates of the Anglican Communion as an accurate evaluation of Resolution B033 of the 2006 General Convention, calling upon bishops with jurisdiction and Standing Committees "to exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion."[1] The House acknowledges that non-celibate gay and lesbian persons are included among those to whom B033 pertains.

Blessing of Same-Sex Unions
We, the members of the House of Bishops, pledge not to authorize for use in our dioceses any public rites of blessing of same-sex unions until a broader consensus emerges in the Communion, or until General Convention takes further action. In the near future we hope to be able to draw upon the benefits of the Communion-wide listening process. In the meantime, it is important to note that no rite of blessing for persons living in same-sex unions has been adopted or approved by our General Convention. In addition to not having authorized liturgies the majority of bishops do not make allowance for the blessing of same-sex unions. We do note that in May 2003 the Primates said we have a pastoral duty "to respond with love and understanding to people of all sexual orientations." They further stated, "…[I]t is necessary to maintain a breadth of private response to situations of individual pastoral care."

Episcopal Visitors
We affirm the Presiding Bishop's plan to appoint episcopal visitors for dioceses that request alternative oversight. Such oversight would be provided by bishops who are a part of and subject to the communal life of this province. We believe this plan is consistent with and analogous to Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (DEPO) as affirmed by the Windsor Report (paragraph 152). We thank those bishops who have generously offered themselves for this ministry. We hope that dioceses will make use of this plan and that the Presiding Bishop will continue conversation with those dioceses that may feel the need for such ministries. We appreciate and need to hear all voices in The Episcopal Church.

Incursions by Uninvited Bishops
We call for an immediate end to diocesan incursions by uninvited bishops in accordance with the Windsor Report and consistent with the statements of past Lambeth Conferences and the Ecumenical Councils of the Church. Such incursions imperil common prayer and long-established ecclesial principles of our Communion. These principles include respect for local jurisdiction and recognition of the geographical boundaries of dioceses and provinces. As we continue to commit ourselves to honor both the spirit and the content of the Windsor Report, we call upon those provinces and bishops engaging in such incursions likewise to honor the Windsor Report by ending them. We offer assurance that delegated episcopal pastoral care is being provided for those who seek it.

Communion-wide Consultation
In their communiqué of February 2007, the Primates proposed a "pastoral scheme." At our meeting in March 2007, we expressed our deep concern that this scheme would compromise the authority of our own primate and place the autonomy of The Episcopal Church at risk. The Executive Council reiterated our concerns and declined to participate. Nevertheless, we recognize a useful role for communion-wide consultation with respect to the pastoral needs of those seeking alternative oversight, as well as the pastoral needs of gay and lesbian persons in this and other provinces. We encourage our Presiding Bishop to continue to explore such consultation in a manner that is in accord with our Constitution and Canons.

The Listening Process
The 1998 Lambeth Conference called all the provinces of the Anglican Communion to engage in a "listening process" designed to bring gay and lesbian Anglicans fully into the Church's conversation about human sexuality. We look forward to receiving initial reports about this process at the 2008 Lambeth Conference and to participating with others in this crucial enterprise. We are aware that in some cultural contexts conversation concerning homosexuality is difficult. We see an important role for the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) in this listening process, since it represents both the lay and ordained members of our constituent churches, and so is well-placed to engage every part of the body in this conversation. We encourage the ACC to identify the variety of resources needed to accomplish these conversations.

The Lambeth Conference
Invitations to the Lambeth Conference are extended by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Those among us who have received an invitation to attend the 2008 Lambeth Conference look forward to that gathering with hope and expectation. Many of us are engaged in mission partnerships with bishops and dioceses around the world and cherish these relationships. Lambeth offers a wonderful opportunity to build on such partnerships.

We are mindful that the Bishop of New Hampshire has not yet received an invitation to the conference. We also note that the Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed a desire to explore a way for him to participate. We share the Archbishop's desire and encourage our Presiding Bishop to offer our assistance as bishops in this endeavor. It is our fervent hope that a way can be found for his full participation.

Justice and Dignity for Gay and Lesbian Persons
It is of fundamental importance that, as we continue to seek consensus in matters of human sexuality, we also be clear and outspoken in our shared commitment to establish and protect the civil rights of gay and lesbian persons, and to name and oppose at every turn any action or policy that does violence to them, encourages violence toward them, or violates their dignity as children of God. We call all our partners in the Anglican Communion to recommit to this effort. As we stated at the conclusion of our meeting in March 2007: "We proclaim the Gospel of what God has done and is doing in Christ, of the dignity of every human being, and of justice, compassion and peace. We proclaim the Gospel that in Christ there is no Jew or Greek, no male or female, no slave or free. We proclaim the Gospel that in Christ all God's children, including women, are full and equal participants in the life of Christ's Church. We proclaim the Gospel that in Christ all God's children, including gay and lesbian persons, are full and equal participants in the life of Christ's Church. We proclaim the Gospel that stands against any violence, including violence done to women and children as well as those who are persecuted because of their differences, often in the name of God."

[1] The Communion Sub-Group noted that “the resolution uses the language of ‘restraint’, and the group noted that there has been considerable discussion since General Convention about the exact force of that word. By requiring that the restraint must be expressed in a particular way – ‘by not consenting …’, however, the resolution is calling for a precise response, which complies with the force of the recommendation of the Windsor Report.” The group also noted “that while the Windsor Report restricted its recommendation to candidates for the episcopate who were living in a same gender union, the resolution at General Convention widened this stricture to apply to a range of lifestyles which present a wider challenge. The group welcomed this widening of the principle, which was also recommended by the Windsor Report, and commend it to the Communion.”

Post dismissal, the big talk in the pressroom was about Bp. Jon Bruno and his shock about the gay wedding performed in Los Angeles – at his flagship parish – last weekend. Bruno has stated without equivocation that he has not authorized or given any form of consent for gay weddings in his diocese. He stood firm on that, even in the elevator this morning.

What he did not say is that they have been happening for about a decade, as a matter of pastoral choice. No clergy have been disciplined.

So, what are the Primates to think? Shoot, what are the people in our pews to think??? When a bishop tells you that they are not permitted and they happen with public acclaim and pictures of the happy couple in the Times, where is the truth?

Susan Russell of Integrity stated 2 weeks ago that 11 dioceses, either through their Convention or by edict of the bishop, have authorized gay weddings and they “happen” in others. As a part of the Statement discussion yesterday, one bishop said that the only honest way to approach the Primates and Archbishop of Canterbury is to state exactly which dioceses have authorized and which allow, as Bruno does. That would be a refreshing addition to the statement, but I doubt that we will see it. Instead, we will get a repudiation of the statement by Integrity and the other gay lobbies, claiming that the House has not been honest again with the rest of the Communion, or the gay and lesbian community.

Please continue to pray that the Bishops will not allow this kind of a statement - with instant repudiation by both the gays and the Biblically orthodox.

This morning we received the statement to the House of Bishops from the Consultation from the gay lobby, Union of Black Episcopalians, Episcopal Network for Economic Justice and the Episcopal Ecological Network. It contains a very interesting paragraph:

“We have in mind the language of the Baptismal Covenant which calls us to respect the dignity of every human being. It is not respectful of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered sisters and brothers when we tell them that they are full participants in the church and then place restrictions of their participation at any level of the church’s life.”

So, baptism is the entry door and once baptized, all ministries in the church MUST be open to all. Not a calling, but a civil right. There are no other thresholds or criteria. Just baptism. Last week, this notion of baptism was expressed by members of the House to the Archbishop. He was stunned that baptism was being interpreted in this way and said he had never heard of this before. It was a completely new interpretation to him. He also said he would reflect on this theory and get back to them. Sorry, Your Grace. That horse has left the barn.

Back to the meeting. We look like the march of the penguins, with most carrying a laptop, a camera and 2 bags of supporting gear.

We were in for 26 minutes and heard reports on where the Presiding Bishop has traveled in her first year; those who have resigned from the House of Bishops, which includes this morning Bp. Jeffrey Steenson of the Diocese of the Rio Grande. We heard the necrology of those who have died, which included my dear assisting bishop and friend Steve Jecko.

Next, we heard the report about parishes in dioceses that have disassociated with TEC and gone “foreign.” There was no way to gloss over this report or minimize its impact on the press. Clearly more than 30 parishes were listed, 50 clergy named and other announcements of new parishes begun by CANA and the AMiA in more than 10 dioceses. At the conclusion of the report, Bishop Dean Wolfe of Kansas stated that he wanted the visitors to know that given the great list we had just heard, TEC had only lost 2 parishes. Just after this, the press was dismissed from the meeting. Incredulous at the statistical analysis just given, this now is the question in the pressroom.

The explanation is simple for those of us who follow this all the time. If 10 people remain loyal to TEC in a parish that fractures, (some dioceses won’t send a priest until there are 20 people) the diocese pays for an interim priest to rebuild the congregation. That parish is not then listed as “closed” but reconstituted. This has happened with three parishes in my diocese of Dallas, and the reconstituted parishes are holding their own. We will have to see what the statistics are after one year and five years.

Wallace Ohls, Bishop of Northwest Texas told of one parish in San Angelo that split into two parishes in 2006 and split again mid 2007. The remnant left of that parish is worshipping with a neighbor Lutheran church under the Concordat signed with the ELCA. Is this the wave of the future as denominational loyalty fades?

One announcement that received the most response was the fact that someone in Columbia, SC had actually gotten the mailing lists from almost every parish in Columbia. These people then received invitations to come to the new AMiA parish that is being started there. Clearly sheep stealing, not evangelism of the unchurched, as the AMiA claims.

The House has broken for lunch. And so shall I. More this afternoon after the Press Conference. Please remember to pray. Cherie Wetzel reporting from New Orleans

But communion, Christian communion, is more than human relationships, as essential as these are. My conscience is deeply troubled, because I sense that the obligations of my ministry in the Episcopal Church may lead me to a place apart from Scripture and Tradition. I am concerned that if I do not listen to and act in accordance with conscience now, it will become harder and harder to hear God’s voice. Already I have sought out our Presiding Bishop for her counsel and prayers, and now I come before you, asking that you give me the necessary canonical permission to resign as ordinary of my diocese. I should like to do this by the end of this year, and afterwards, in proper order, to be released from my ordination vows in the Episcopal Church.

I want to emphasize my gratitude for the gift of ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church and for the many blessings received along the way. Especially am I thankful for the people of my diocese and the high honor of serving them both as canon to the ordinary and bishop. It is indeed painful to lay down this ministry, but I realize that an effective leader cannot be so conflicted about the guiding principles of the Church one serves. I hope my decision will encourage others who believe they can no longer remain in the Episcopal Church, to respect its laws and to withdraw as courteously as possible for the sake of the Christian witness.

Our spring meeting this year at Camp Allen was a profoundly disturbing experience for me. I was more than a little surprised when such a substantial majority declared the polity of the Episcopal Church to be primarily that of an autonomous and independent local church relating to the wider Anglican Communion by voluntary association. This is not the Anglicanism in which I was formed, inspired by the Oxford movement and the Catholic Revival in the Church of England. Perhaps something was defective in my education for ministry in the Episcopal Church, but, honestly, I did not recognize the church that this House described on that occasion.

This sent me to reflect further on that crucial text from Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium: “Many elements of sanctification and of truth can be found outside the Church's visible structure. These elements, however, as gifts properly belonging to the Church of Christ, possess an inner dynamic toward Catholic unity." If this is true, then what we say and do as Anglicans ought to be directed toward the goal of reunification with the Catholic Church. The Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission strove valiantly to bring this about, and it once seemed that Anglicanism might offer itself, even sacrificially, for the sake of authentic Christian unity. It is much to be regretted that its 1998 report, “The Gift of Authority,” has been largely forgotten in our present conflicts, especially its call for the re-reception of the historic ministry of Peter within Anglican life.

In light of this, I have tried to understand the choices that are now before us:
It seems to me that the Episcopal Church has made a decisive turn away from those extraordinary efforts to preserve the Communion, such as Archbishop Rowan’s proposal last summer in “The Challenge and Hope of Being an Anglican Today.” It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the Episcopal Church has rejected the discipline of communion but wants it only on its own terms.

Others in the Anglican Communion have taken it upon themselves to establish a separate provincial structure to challenge the Episcopal Church, some even arguing for a re-formed Anglicanism without reference to the See of Canterbury.

The Windsor Report calls for a future Anglicanism governed by strengthened instruments of communion and a covenant, but the strong medicine of primacy, so necessary to Catholic order, is missing from its prescriptions.

In none of these choices do I find that “inner dynamic toward Catholic unity.” It doesn’t appear that one can get there from where we are now, at least not corporately, considering Anglicanism’s present configurations.

From time to time it seems necessary for some to embark on these personal journeys as a reminder that the churches of the Reformation were not intended to carry on indefinitely separated from their historical and theological mooring in the Church of Rome. I believe that the Lord now calls me in this direction. It amazes me, after all of these years, what a radical journey of faith this must necessarily be. To some it seems foolish; to others disloyal; to others an abandonment. I once thought that it would be a simple matter of considering the theological evidence and then drawing a rational conclusion that surely would be self-evident to reasonable people. But faith is also a mystery and a gift, and this ultimately becomes a journey of the heart.

One day in the fall of 1978 I came home from classes at Harvard Divinity School to tune in the evening news and see John Paul II step on to the loggia of St. Peter’s for the first time. It was a quo vadis? moment, and I remember sensing for the first time the importance of being in communion with Peter. Over the years I have been especially conscious of those moments of peace and joy experienced when hearing and reflecting on the words of the two most recent successors of St. Peter. My old teacher, Dr. Mark Noll, writes in Is the Reformation Over? of his surprise at reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church and finding himself stopping to pray. That is exactly it, the experience of giving your heart to Jesus Christ again because you have encountered his words anew, now embodied in his ecclesial Body at its source. I do want to assure you that I have tried to follow the Ignatian principle of discernment, to make no important decision while in a place of spiritual desolation. I have especially sought to give no place to that anger which darkens understanding and clouds judgment.

With all my heart, I ask for your forgiveness for any difficulty this may cause and for anything I may have said or done that has failed to live up to the love of Christ. I hope that you will not see this as a repudiation of the Episcopal Church or Anglicanism. Rather, it is the sincere desire of a simple soul to bear witness to the fullness of the Catholic Faith, in communion with what St. Irenaeus called “that greatest and most ancient Church” (Adv. Haer. 3.3.2). I believe that our noble Anglican tradition (“this worthy patrimony”) has deep within it the instinct of a migratory bird calling, “It is time to fly home to a place you have never seen before.” May the Lord bless my steps and yours and bring our paths together in His good time.

- The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Steenson

Tonight we were briefed by the Rt. Rev. David Alvarez of Puerto Rico (who deposed all the orthodox clergy in Puerto Rico after the 2003 General Convention), the Rt. Rev. Neil Alexander, Atlanta, and the Rt. Rev. Jon Bruno, Los Angeles.

These three bishops assured us that the discussion on the Statement contained the following criteria:
1) All voices were and will be listened to.
2) It is a democratic process (read: the majority vote wins).
3) They are genuinely striving to produce a clear, concise statement.
4) Bp. Bruno stated that fudge is something you eat, not write.
5) Those who have chosen to leave the table diminish the presence of God in the assembly (remark on Pittsburgh, Quincy and Springfield, who left on Friday)
6) The Anglican Communion is “tough fabric” and has been in conflict nearly every decade and indeed, every century since its formation. It will survive intact.
7) Our polity is not in ruling bishops and archbishops but in a bi-cameral General Convention. Our polity is equal voices of laity, clergy and bishops, which is democratic, essential and unique in the Communion.
8) The full inclusion of gays and lesbians in all facets of the life of this church is an issue not open to debate. The House of Bishops will never go back on that statement of principle. Peace and Justice issues are the bedrock of this Church.
9) They believe the Archbishop of Canterbury will find a way to include Gene Robinson in Lambeth 2008.
10) Bp. Bruno has not authorized clergy in his diocese to perform gay marriages. He was SHOCKED to find out that the Los Angeles Times reported one yesterday at All Saints, Beverly Hills. “I knew nothing about it, but I sure am going to look into it.”

And so, I think it is fair to conclude that this house will stand on the decisions made at General Convention 2006. B-033 with regards to confirmation of another gay bishop “discourages” approval of anyone whose personal life may be a challenge to another part in the Communion. And they will continue to insist that the House has never authorized any RITES for the blessing of same sex unions. (That is actually what the Windsor Report asked.) And so, fellow prayer warriors, we have an exquisite opportunity ahead of us to flex our knees and encourage the Righteousness of God to shine through. The bishops all said they want to produce a clear, concise statement that is difficult to misinterpret. That means they must speak with clarity about their decisions and intentions.

Clarity is on God’s side in this moment in time.

The bishops said that they cannot control how the Joint Committee from the Anglican Consultative Council and the Primates Council that will receive the report and register their comments with the Archbishop, or the Primates will receive this report. They expect that some would disagree if they claimed the “sky is blue.”

Clarity is on God’s side in this moment in time.

The bishops do not believe that 5 dioceses are set to withdraw from TEC, or that the Communion may split over this issue. They really believe that peace and justice issues trump those “fuzzy little Scriptures.” Life is lived based on one’s choice of a moral and ethical standard. All standards are equal.

Clarity is on God’s side in this moment in time.

John Maynard Keynes, the eminent economist said, “When somebody persuades me I am wrong, I change my mind. What do you do?” For whatever reason, our bishops have become convinced that there is no sin involved in homosexuality. But, the essential question is what does God think? Does He change His mind? Has He changed His mind? I do not believe He has, nor will.

Clarity is on God’s side in this moment in time.

Please remember to pray. This is our battlefield and prayer is our weapon of choice. Do your best!

More when there is news on Tuesday. The meeting is expected to close between noon and 6:00 PM. I doubt that we will be allowed to sit in on the meeting in the morning. There will be a press conference with the Presiding Bishop and other members of the House at the end. And, we will have a copy of the statement. Bishop Bruno said tonight that they might release a Communiqué, not just a statement. Tomorrow, we will know. Please remember to pray. Cherie Wetzel reporting from New Orleans

The Writing Committee that has been charged with preparing the Statement – and worked all weekend – presented the Statement. It was distributed to members of the House and then read aloud by the committee. After this, there was 15 minutes of discussion at the tables (The House is organized into 20 table groups of 6-8 people that meet from one General Convention to the next.) Usually, the tables respond as a table. Today, individuals responded to the statement, making suggestions for its change. A second draft will be written this afternoon and evening and presented to the House for finalization tomorrow.

The initial draft is 4 pages single-spaced, and is a chatty narrative about the fun things done here in New Orleans, interspersed with the responses to the Dar es Salaam communiqué. Several bishops requested that the one document be split into two. The first must clearly and without equivocation, respond to the Dar questions. And the second can discuss other aspects of the meeting.

I do not know if press will be allowed back in the meeting this afternoon, and will not tell you about any other details of the statement at this point. It is not a finished document. I am constantly reminded that people read what I write in order to made decisions about whether they will stay or flee from the Episcopal Church (TEC). It is not “soup” yet, to quote Campbell’s. The direction is not clear.

I will tell you that there are two recurrent themes that I have heard from many bishops: 1) The work done at the General Convention 2006 in Columbus, OH, with regards to compliance with the Windsor Report, was reviewed by a small sub-committee appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. They issued their report directly to him and he took it to the Primate’s meeting in Dar es Salaam. This sub-committee concluded that TEC had met the requirements asked for by The Windsor Report. The Primates did not accept this conclusion.

No explanation was ever given of why or how the Primates rejected that report.

Since no explanation was given, the bishops here are puzzled that the subcommittee gave them a pass on their work at GC 2006 and frequently mention this report as validation of their desire and compliance with the requirements necessary to stay in the Communion.

2) The continuing saga of boundary crossing, especially by African bishops, in their care for the orthodox, infuriates this House. It is such a sore point that some bishops I spoke with yesterday said they would consider compliance with Dar if and only if all foreign incursions cease. Stop the incursions first and THEN we will talk about complying with Dar. And it surprised me that some of the angriest bishops about this point are those who have not lost a priest or a parish to foreign oversight yet. Those who have give a much more mellow response.

So, lets be clear about how to direct your prayer time today. The Hose has several resolutions they are considering this afternoon and the Statement is a matter of high priority. Please pray that they insist on and succeed in making the clearest possible response to Dar es Salaam. All are aware of the Episcopal Fudge remarks about their previous work. And, I truly believe they want to avoid that kind of label on this document.

And please pray that they will have the patience to sit through the rest of the meeting and a spirit of generosity towards each other. They must prioritize their responses to the rest of the Communion and that will take patience and magnanimity.

And, lastly, Bishop Jenkins, who loves this city very much, has requested prayers for the New Orleans Saints, who are playing in the Superdome tonight. Their opponent: Tennessee Titans. The Saints have lost their first two games and tonight is their first home game. Kick off is at 7:30ish. I am adding this bit of whimsy to balance out the fact that very serious decisions will be made within the next 24 hours. I covet your prayers for the conclusion of this meeting. Let us all pray that God will be Glorified and His Kingdom established anew by these decisions. More tonight. Cherie Wetzel reporting from New Orleans

Lots of concern about the “September 30 deadline” (which, of course, is not a deadline but as the Archbishop of Canterbury has reminded us “perception is reality” in real life). I spoke of my hopes that we will find a way forward, and then said something like:

“Two things I hope you’ll hold in tension: I want you to be concerned about these larger issues, about the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, and all the rest of it. But, bottom line, no matter what happens at this House of Bishops meeting, it doesn’t have to derail your local efforts. The cutting edge of our mission and ministry is the local congregation and you need to build a healthy and vital congregation!”

A 40-something big guy, with a red face and tears in his eyes said, “I disagree with you. What happens does affect our local congregation! I invite people but nobody in this part of the world wants to come to a church where, when you open the paper, is all about gay bishops and being thrown out of the world wide communion!”

I conceded that there are local consequences, but reminded him that I was only arguing for some balance in all this…that we shouldn’t be consumed by “the issues” but dedicate ourselves to mission. Then we went on to the predictable argument about “do we believe the Bible or not…why won’t the bishops defend the plain Scriptural truth…why is the Episcopal Church going against worldwide Christian opinion on these matters, etc., etc., etc.”

So, I did what bishops do every Sunday in the 50 minutes we are given in adult forums like this…trying to summarize decades of biblical scholarship, cultural differences, Anglican polity — things which parish clergy should have been doing for years in little places like this! In the end, I think I did OK. They trusted me enough to come to the liturgy, listen carefully to the sermon, receive the sacrament. All in all, it was a good day.

But, over a glass of wine at lunch with the rector and his wife, I had to confess that I do not know if we can hold this fractious Church together. Where I live, in New York, we bishops will be pilloried if we make any concessions in a conservative direction. An 815 staff person walked out on Katharine Jefferts Schori after she reported on General Convention Resolution B033. It was too conservative.

Finally what we will have to do, over these next two days, is say our prayers…listen deeply to each other…come to a consensus decision which is faithful to what this church is and what this church desires to become…and offer it to the larger Church.

But, the email revealed a story that I was not prepared to read or accept. The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Steenson, Bishop since 1995 of The Rio Grande (El Paso, TX and the state of New Mexico) has announced his intention to resign from the House of Bishops and TEC at tomorrow morning’s session. He has been “in the process” (yes, there is a formal protocol for resigning) for a few weeks, but the news is a great surprise to all but the Presiding Bishop.

In a year when there were multiple bishops’ races, Steenson was the only Biblically orthodox candidate elected. His Christianity is honest, forthright and uncomplicated. I have enjoyed every conversation we have had and Anglicans United wishes him the very best for his future.

Sadly, I believe he is the first of many bishops who will resign or retire over the next 3 months. Why? Because of the response of 12 different bishops yesterday to my question: “Did you hear anything new in the last two days with the Archbishop?” To a person they replied that they had heard nothing new. The Global South is still pillaging their parishes (crossing boundaries, which is in opposition to the Windsor Report) and using hysterical (read very critical) rhetoric.

“Same old, same old; heard it all before. Didn’t impress me as Godly or authentic then and surely doesn’t now. And, why would the Anglican Consultative Council send two African women to speak to us? Haven’t we had the Africans up to here…?”

And so, at the dedication of the new All Souls parish in an abandoned Walgreens drug store building, in the deserted Lower 9th Ward, even the jazz band, delicious food and the Bounce House for the kids couldn’t curb the malaise.

I wondered later, back in the sparkling hotel room that I occupy, if the seemingly insoluble problems of the Lower 9th Ward permeated the festivities as the new parish with their new priest (who is a native of Nigeria). I spoke with many of the people. They have never been Episcopalians before and are so thankful to have a church that is open and reads the Bible during the service. You can see 4 other church buildings from this corner, and only one is open now, not as a church but a day care center. When you walk the neighborhoods, as Steve Waring [THE LIVING CHURCH] and I did yesterday, maybe one house is 10 has any sign of reconstruction. Jo, a resident of the neighborhood who walked with us, told of the insurance reimbursements of $5,000 for $60,000 policies. This appears to be the norm. One white family said they were offered $12,000 for their $90,000 policy. She told of the anguish of having to hire an attorney to try and get more back so she could rebuild her house. And if she does get $60,000 a neat $20,000 will go to the attorney. That leaves her with $40,000 for electric, plumbing, appliances, furnace/air conditioner, insulation, wallboard, cabinets, flooring and furniture. She has lived for a year in a guesthouse (read converted garage), after spending a year in Atlanta with family and friends.

I spoke with the music director of St. Paul’s, Lakeview, a church 5 miles away that flooded to the rafters. He told of the heartbreak of seeing their prized pipe organ hauled out the doors in a front loader, and dumped in the huge garbage pile. He was advised not to even open the drawers with their choral music in them. The mold. It can make you very ill for months. They have a good piano now, are ready to drywall and about 1/3 of the congregation has come back, because St. Paul’s School decided to reopen and did so in October, 2006. He spoke of the generosity of the music companies he has contacted, trying to replace his favorite anthems. He doesn’t have a choir yet, but will be ready when he does. The music publishers all will donate whatever is asked. The bells for the bell choir were on the 2nd floor and not damaged. He is going to start a community adult bell group after Christmas – just for the fun of it. With so many libraries closed and local grocery, retail and drug stores that did not reopen, people are looking for alternatives to the television.

My taxi driver this morning spent 18 months in Houston with his wife and 6 children all in one motel room. He worked 10-12 hour days Monday through Thursday, and drove to New Orleans and lived in a tent all weekend, working on his house. It took 13 months to get the supplies and do the work. No, his insurance company didn’t pay either. (I haven’t talked with anyone whose did) and he has all the charges for repairing his house on 5 credit cards, all maxed out. He was sure he could pay all of those off when his “Road Home” money came through, but yesterday’s announcement that the federal and state program providing money for people to come back and restore their homes is projected to be $1,000,000,000 (yes, that’s a billion) dollars over budget. New criteria for assessment are being developed for all applications not yet awarded. Less than 10% have received their Road Home money, so that means at least 85% of all claims will be subject to the new criteria. Every one will get a smaller portion of the pie.

And in stark contrast are the Garden District and the French Quarter where I am. They received some (minor) wind damage. These two areas are the highest points in the city and were islands after the flooding. It was impossible to get here for several weeks until the water was pumped off of the freeways and all bridge structures were inspected. But, these districts are fine. They don’t have any damage, but are struggling to stay in business. Many shops in the French Quarter are closed, too. Several shop owners lamented that they have struggled too stay open, as the tourists did not come back to New Orleans for a solid year after Katrina. And since then, it is far from business as usual. The city is quiet and very different from the last time I visited here 5 years ago. In some ways, it is still asleep.

If your parish needs a mission trip that doesn’t include flying across an ocean, consider coming to New Orleans. Bishop Charles Jenkins’ office has established a Disaster Relief office that helps parish groups make arrangements to come here and be involved in the rebuilding process. You’ll never find more appreciative people. Bishop James Stanton, Dallas, told me that he and three other bishops yesterday completely refloored one floor of a house during their 4-hour work session. He said it gave him enormous satisfaction. Five people from one parish could significantly help rebuild an entire house in one week. Most airlines will give you a special group rate so you can fly here. There are accommodations for people to sleep – not hotels, but comfortable housing for $25.00 per person per night. At some locations, this includes 2 meals. For more information, call the Venerable Dennis McManis, Director of Operations, Office of Disaster Response, Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. His phone number is 504-895-4304. I spoke with him yesterday at the All Souls dedication and he is very focused on rebuilding New Orleans. All skill levels are needed. You CAN be a part of this process. And, no, you are not too old.

Sunday is almost gone and the House is back in session tomorrow morning at 9:45. Bible Study and Morning Prayer start at 9:00. I will have a report for you in the early afternoon, as there is no indication that press will be blocked from the meeting. Tomorrow, it begins again in earnest. It will be a wild race to the finish line on Tuesday at noon. I bid you Peace. Cherie Wetzel, reporting from New Orleans

“My expectation will be that the bishops will say that the proper authorities of our church have already spoken,” said Bishop Stacy F. Sauls of the diocese of Lexington, Ky. “But I don’t expect after it a hammer coming down on us from others in the communion.” Neela Bannerji, The New York Times

“He did not believe that anything had changed from any of the positions – ‘it's what it has been’ and "I don't think any minds were changed or a new understanding was reached.. The glaring reality is the anomaly of a church that has not changed its teaching -- and a bishop consecrated outside of that teaching."
“Much of the remaining discussion, Bishop Stanton believed, would be over discerning whether there was ‘anything new we can say’ or with trying to find some language that would express something more. But ‘everyone is so invested in their position’ that he does not believe that there is much possibility in that happening.” Sarah Hey, Standfirminfaith.com

I spoke informally (which means I cannot quote them or use their names) with bishops last evening in the hotel bar. Yes, this is a great place to talk to people. These three bishops, all part of the House for more than 8 years, felt that the statement by Bishop Mouneer Anis, Egypt, [attached below] was hysterical rhetoric that always comes from the continent of Africa. Messages of that nature are automatically dismissed, just as a teenager tunes out his/her parents’ admonitions. The two Anglican Consultative Council women who addressed the House were also dismissed. Both were from Africa, and not South Africa, which is the only African province favorable towards TEC.
So, whom would they actually listen to? Well, The Archbishop of Canterbury was a definite maybe. All felt that he left the meeting without actually telling them that TEC has a decision to make that will have consequences on their future participation in the Communion. There are no “lines in the sand.”

Now, this opinion has been widely debated by the members of the House. Some felt that the Archbishop did issue a direct challenge to change or be set aside. They are the members and friends of the Network. But, I believe the majority would agree that there was “no line in the sand.” All must remember that the Archbishop speaks with such a high degree of diplomatic language that you always have to read carefully.

As an example, “…I hope that the House, equally, has understood more fully what those questions and proposals [Dar es Salaam Communiqué] were meant to achieve…. Despite what has been claimed, there is no ‘ultimatum’ involved… The ACC and Primates Joint Standing Committee will be reading and digesting what the Bishops have to say, and will let me know their thoughts on it early next week. After this, I shall be sharing what they say along with m own assessments, with the Primates and others, inviting their advice in the next couple of weeks. I hope these days will result in a constructive and fresh way forward for all of us. ++Rowan Cantuar, Opening Remarks for Joint Press Conference with Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, September 21, 2007

Ok, so that translates into, “This is why the communiqué was written the way it was, and don’t get your unders in a wad because of the strong language used. And no, you won’t be kicked out by failing to agree. My opinion will be joined with those of other guests at this meeting and we’ll let the others in our body know what we concluded. That will take about a month. Maybe then, we can get on with planning a way forward.”

That final line is most important. It does seem to indicate that invitations to Lambeth issued to TEC will not be withdrawn, even if they fail to give an “appropriate” response to Dar. The Archbishop seems to hope that a compromise can be achieved that will not result in the fracturing of the Communion. He was given fairly honest response by this House and if he still believes that, and does not see their position is intractable, and oppositional, then God help us! Or perhaps, he just hasn’t raised teenagers yet…….

I received a reply from Odessa Elliott with regard to Bishop Barbara Harris’ comments in the bar on Thursday evening, re: polygamy and African bishops and how that practice discounts their ability to correct the American church. It seems that the 1988 Lambeth Conference, which dealt with this practice of Animists and Muslims in Africa, concluded that remarriage, especially among clergy, was acceptable. Some felt that it was the same as polygamy, since Scripture and our own Book of Common Prayer, advises that these vows are not to be “put asunder.” Bishop David Gitari, Kenya and others took an active role in correcting these assumptions within the African portion of the Communion.

Below is Bishop Mouneer Anis’ address to our House. As the only Global South member at this meeting, I felt he spoke with clarity and precision.

Address of Bishop Mouneer Anis, September 21, 2007, New Orleans LA USA
Bishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt
With North Africa and the Horn of Africa
President Bishop of the Episcopal/Anglican province of
Jerusalem and the Middle East
To the House of Bishops in New Orleans

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you so much for inviting me here to come and listen to you and for giving me the opportunity to share my heart with you. I am very aware of my own shortcomings and weaknesses, but every word I want to say is out of love and concern for the unity of the Church of Christ.

I do not come with great authority, nor am I the Primate of a Province with a great number of Anglicans; I do however come from a region where Christ walked and where the Church was borne. I come representing the Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

The Church in this region has faced many challenges since the first century. Our brothers and sisters in the early centuries were ready to sacrifice their very lives ‎to stay true to the Faith they received from the Lord and His Apostles. Their blood ‎was not in vain; rather it became the seed of the Church all across our region. ‎Many disputes and heresies took place in our region. In face of all the challenges, persecutions, and heresies our ancestors: people like St. Athanasius, St. Clement, Origen and Cyril from Alexandria, along with Tertullian, Cyprian and St. Augustine from North Africa-- kept the faith of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We are constantly learning from our ancient martyrs and forebears how to serve the Kingdom of God faithfully.


Today our Anglican Church in the Middle East still lives within a very exciting and challenging context. We live among the Oriental Orthodox, the Greek Orthodox, the Catholics, the Jews and the Muslims. We greatly value our ecumenical relations and continue to work for unity.

We also deeply respect and appreciate our Muslim friends and value our interfaith relations while in no way compromise our faith. I have to tell you that many of these relations were severely strained after your decision to consecrate Gene Robinson as Bishop in 2003. We are seen as the new heretics and this has hindered our ecumenical and interfaith relations as well as our mission in the region.

My friends, like you, we want to be relevant to the culture in which we live. More importantly, we want to be salt and light to our societies. That is not an easy calling but it means we must remain distinct and humble at the same time. Without being distinct we cannot be salt and light; without humility we will not represent the One who said, “I am meek and lowly in heart”. We are also continuously challenged whether we should allow the culture to transform the Apostolic faith we once received, or if we should allow the Gospel of Jesus Christ to transform our culture as it has in the past. As we struggle to answer this question we must never divorce ourselves from the faith that countless men, women and children died to protect. I believe that if we faithfully serve the Church of Christ, He will continue to fulfil his promise that the gates of Hades will not prevail against her.
.
Rupertus Meldenius said ''In essentials, unity; in non essentials, liberty; in all things, charity''. Our hope is to be united on the essentials of faith which are defined only by the whole church. We are not in any way trying to impose rigid views on you. Like you we celebrate diversity, but we believe that such diversity should not be unlimited and should not contradict the essentials of our faith. We are not schismatic, but we are diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. We want unity by not unity at any expense.

Anglicans are aware with humility that we are not ''the” church but we are one member of the body of Christ, the one Holy Catholic Church. We proclaim this every week in our churches. This places upon us the responsibility to listen to and respect our ecumenical partners.

My friends, you may believe you have discovered a very different truth from that of the majority in the Anglican Communion. It is not just about sexuality, but about your views of Christ, the Gospel and the authority of the Bible. Please forgive me when I relay that some say you are a different church, others even think that you are a different religion.

I understand that it is difficult for you in your context to accept the standard teaching of the Anglican Communion. This is why you refused to accept Lambeth Conference Resolution 1.10. You also ignored all the warnings of the Primates in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Your response to the Windsor Report is seen by the Primates as not clear. You cannot say you value being member of the Anglican Communion while you ignore the interdependence of the member churches. The interdependence is what differentiates us from other congregational churches. I would like to remind you and myself with the famous resolution number 49 of the Lambeth Conference of 1930 which declares “ the Anglican Communion is a fellowship of churches that "are bound together not by a central legislative and executive authority, but by mutual loyalty sustained through the common counsel of the bishops in conference.”
With respect, I have to say that those who would prefer to speak of laws and procedures, constitutions and canons, committees and process: you are missing the point! It is our mutual loyalty and fellowship, submitting to one another in the common cause of Jesus Christ that makes us of one Church one faith and one Lord.

It is clear that your actions have resulted in one of the most difficult disputes in the Communion in our generation. You may see them as not core doctrinal issues. Many like me see the opposite but the thing that we all cannot ignore is that these issues are divisive and have created a lot of undesired consequences and reactions. For the first time in centuries, the fabric of our Communion is torn. Our energies have been drained and our resources are lost; and it is difficult for both of us to continue like this.

My friends, if you really believe that the truth revealed to you is different from that shown to the rest of the Communion, then you need to uphold that claim with boldness even at the risk of losing unity. If you think it is right and necessary to ordain and consecrate practicing homosexuals and that you should bless same sex partnerships or even marriages, you should be true to what you believe is right and accept the consequences.

However, if you appreciate being members of the global Anglican family, then you have to walk along side the members of your family. Those who say that it is important to stay together around the table, to listen to each other and to continue our dialogue over the difficult issues that are facing us are wise. We whole-heartedly agree with this, but staying around one table requires that you should not take actions that are contrary to the standard position (Lambeth 1:10) of the rest of the Communion.

Sitting around one table requires humility from all of us. One church cannot say to the rest of churches “I know the whole truth, you don’t”. Archbishop Rowan reminded us in his paper “Challenge and hope” that “the whole truth is revealed to the whole church.” Sitting around one table requires that each one should have a clear stance before the discussion starts. It also requires true openness and willingness to accept the mind of the whole. We do not have to be in one communion to sit around one table. We do so when we dialogue with the Roman Catholic, the Orthodox and with other faiths. It would be extremely difficult to sit around one table when you have already decided the outcome of the discussion and when you ignore the many voices, warnings, and appeals from around the Communion.

Today I appeal to you to respond with great clarity to the requests were made in Dar es Salaam. If you accepted the Primates' recommendations, would you be able to give assurance that the Executive Committee and the General Convention of TEC would ratify your response? It is the responsibility of the Bishop to guard the faith as we promise during our consecration. In many if not in most parts of the Communion and the historic churches, present and ancient, matters of faith and order, is the responsibility and therefore the authority of the Bishops to safeguard and teach.
If you don't commit yourself to the Dar Es Salaam recommendations, would you be willing to walk apart at least for a period during which we continue our discussions and dialogue until we reach a common understanding, especially about the essentials of our faith? Forgive me when I say that for many of us in the Communion, we feel that you have already walked apart at least theologically from the standard teaching of the Communion.

I know that you value personal freedom and independence. The whole world learns this from you. You need to demonstrate this by securing freedom for the American orthodox Anglicans who do not share your theological direction. Show your spirit of inclusiveness when you deal with them. I am afraid to say that without this more and more interventions from other provinces is going to happen. No one wants this.

I pray for wisdom and grace, for myself, as well as for you, and I pray that God will lead us both in the right direction. Remember the illustrious history of God’s church and remember future generations who will sit in judgment on us. Remember also that the whole world is waiting and watching what you do.
Please forgive me if I have said anything that offends you.

May the Lord Bless you.
+ Mouneer Egypt
The rest of this day is community work and vacation. The bishops are assigned to several different work projects and will do than until at 2:30. The rest of the day is free, and since the expected Tropical Storm went ashore last night in Florida, it is 85 and sunny here today. Rain may come tomorrow; or it may not. I am visiting several work sites this afternoon and will not have a post this evening. As some of you know, we have been hit by a report to AOL that my emails are Spam and they have cancelled my ability to send email to all AOL addresses. Please pray that those who have requested daily emails and are not receiving them will understand the dilemma and my inability to correct it. Angry emails keep coming to me, but even the response to that email is blocked and returned. OYE! Cherie Wetzel reporting from New Orleans

I do not come with great authority, nor am I the Primate of a Province with a great number of Anglicans; I do however come from a region where Christ walked and where the Church was borne. I come representing the Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

The Church in this region has faced many challenges since the first century. Our brothers and sisters in the early centuries were ready to sacrifice their very lives ‎to stay true to the Faith they received from the Lord and His Apostles. Their blood ‎was not in vain; rather it became the seed of the Church all across our region. ‎Many disputes and heresies took place in our region. In face of all the challenges, persecutions, and heresies our ancestors: people like St. Athanasius, St. Clement, Origen and Cyril from Alexandria, along with Tertullian, Cyprian and St. Augustine from North Africa-- kept the faith of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We are constantly learning from our ancient martyrs and forebears how to serve the Kingdom of God faithfully.


Today our Anglican Church in the Middle East still lives within a very exciting and challenging context. We live among the Oriental Orthodox, the Greek Orthodox, the Catholics, the Jews and the Muslims. We greatly value our ecumenical relations and continue to work for unity.

We also deeply respect and appreciate our Muslim friends and value our interfaith relations while in no way compromise our faith. I have to tell you that many of these relations were severely strained after your decision to consecrate Gene Robinson as Bishop in 2003. We are seen as the new heretics and this has hindered our ecumenical and interfaith relations as well as our mission in the region.

My friends, like you, we want to be relevant to the culture in which we live. More importantly, we want to be salt and light to our societies. That is not an easy calling but it means we must remain distinct and humble at the same time. Without being distinct we cannot be salt and light; without humility we will not represent the One who said “I am meek and lowly in heart”. We, are also continuously challenged whether we should allow the culture to transform the Apostolic faith we once received, or if we should allow the Gospel of Jesus Christ to transform our culture as it has in the past. As we struggle to answer this question we must never divorce ourselves from the faith that countless men, women and children died to protect. I believe that if we faithfully serve the Church of Christ, He will continue to fulfil his promise that the gates of Hades will not prevail against her.
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Rupertus Meldenius said ''In essentials, unity; in non essentials, liberty; in all things, charity''. Our hope is to be united on the essentials of faith which are defined only by the whole church. We are not in any way trying to impose rigid views on you. Like you we celebrate diversity, but we believe that such diversity should not be unlimited and should not contradict the essentials of our faith. We are not schismatic, but we are diligent to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. We want unity by not unity at any expense.

Anglicans are aware with humility that we are not ''the” church but we are one member of the body of Christ, the one Holy Catholic Church. We proclaim this every week in our churches. This places upon us the responsibility to listen to and respect our ecumenical partners.

My friends, you may believe you have discovered a very different truth from that of the majority in the Anglican Communion. It is not just about sexuality, but about your views of Christ, the Gospel and the authority of the Bible. Please forgive me when I relay that some say you are a different church, others even think that you are a different religion.

I understand that it is difficult for you in your context to accept the standard teaching of the Anglican Communion. This is why you refused to accept Lambeth Conference Resolution 1.10. You also ignored all the warnings of the Primates in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Your response to the Windsor Report is seen by the Primates as not clear. You cannot say you value being member of the Anglican Communion while you ignore the interdependence of the member churches. The interdependence is what differentiates us from other congregational churches. I would like to remind you and myself with the famous resolution number 49 of the Lambeth Conference of 1930 which declares “ the Anglican Communion is a fellowship of churches that ?are bound together not by a central legislative and executive authority, but by mutual loyalty sustained through the common counsel of the bishops in conference.”
With respect, I have to say that those who would prefer to speak of laws and procedures, constitutions and canons, committees and process: you are missing the point! It is our mutual loyalty and fellowship, submitting to one another in the common cause of Jesus Christ that makes us of one Church one faith and one Lord.

It is clear that your actions have resulted in one of the most difficult disputes in the Communion in our generation. You may see them as not core doctrinal issues. Many like me see the opposite but the thing that we all cannot ignore is that these issues are divisive and have created a lot of undesired consequences and reactions. For the first time in centuries, the fabric of our Communion is torn. Our energies have been drained and our resources are lost; and it is difficult for both of us to continue like this.

My friends, if you really believe that the truth revealed to you is different from that shown to the rest of the Communion, then you need to uphold that claim with boldness even at the risk of losing unity. If you think it is right and necessary to ordain and consecrate practicing homosexuals and that you should bless same sex partnerships or even marriages, you should be true to what you believe is right and accept the consequences.

However, if you appreciate being members of the global Anglican family, then you have to walk along side the members of your family. Those who say that it is important to stay together around the table, to listen to each other and to continue our dialogue over the difficult issues that are facing us are wise. We whole heartedly agree with this, but staying around one table requires that you should not take actions that are contrary to the standard position (Lambeth 1:10) of the rest of the Communion.

Sitting around one table requires humility from all of us. One church cannot say to the rest of churches “I know the whole truth, you don’t”. Archbishop Rowan reminded us in his paper “Challenge and hope” that “the whole truth is revealed to the whole church.” Sitting around one table requires that each one should have a clear stance before the discussion starts. It also requires true openness and willingness to accept the mind of the whole. We do not have to be in one communion to sit around one table. We do so when we dialogue with the Roman Catholic, the Orthodox and with other faiths. It would be extremely difficult to sit around one table when you have already decided the outcome of the discussion and when you ignore the many voices, warnings, and appeals from around the Communion.

Today I appeal to you to respond with great clarity to the requests were made in Dar Es Salam. If you accepted the Primates' recommendations, would you be able to give assurance that the Executive Committee and the General Convention of TEC would ratify your response? It is the responsibility of the Bishop to guard the faith as we promise during our consecration. In many if not in most parts of the Communion and the historic churches, present and ancient, matters of faith and order, is the responsibility and therefore the authority of the Bishops to safeguard and teach.

If you don't commit yourself to the Dar Es Salam recommendations, would you be willing to walk apart at least for a period during which we continue our discussions and dialogue until we reach a common understanding, especially about the essentials of our faith? Forgive me when I say that for many of us in the Communion, we feel that you have already walked apart at least theologically from the standard teaching of the Communion.

I know that you value personal freedom and independence. The whole world learns this from you. You need to demonstrate this by securing freedom for the American orthodox Anglicans who do not share your theological direction. Show your spirit of inclusiveness when you deal with them. I am afraid to say that without this more and more interventions from other provinces is going to happen. No one wants this.

I pray for wisdom and grace, for myself, as well as for you, and I pray that God will lead us both in the right direction. Remember the illustrious history of God’s church and remember future generations who will sit in judgment on us. Remember also that the whole world is waiting and watching what you do.
Please forgive me if I have said anything that offends you.

May the Lord Bless you.
+ Mouneer Egypt

From all reports, this morning’s session was a surprisingly candid exchange of information between the members of the House, the Archbishop and the invited guests from the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) and the Primate’s Council. The Rt. Rev. Dr. Phillip Aspinall, Archbishop of Brisbane Australia, spoke to the House, telling them that they must reassure the Communion that they will live into the resolutions passed at General Convention last year. He asked what the rest of the Communion was to think when they vote to refrain from authorizing same sex blessings and 14 bishops quietly (but publicly) authorize rites to be used in their diocese and give permission to their clergy to perform same sex marriages as a pastoral care issue. Aspinall asked, “What good is your vote? How do we trust you?”

The same point applies to B-033 when both Houses (Deputies and Bishops) voted, “to exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion.” Within 2 hours, 20 bishops said they would not comply with this vote and subsequently, 9 dioceses repudiated B-033 at their annual conventions.

With the inclusion of the known lesbian, Very Rev. Tracey Lind in the bishop’s race in Chicago, Dr. Aspinall’s question to the House is valid. And necessary.

I was told that the Archbishop became irritated when several bishops continued to complain about the African bishop’s border crossings, saying that they had violated the Windsor Report and were not chastised. They felt the criticism they received on the gay issue was unfair when other provinces were also in violation of the Report.

In his prepared statement for the Press, the Archbishop stated, “It has been a valuable opportunity to listen carefully to the thinking of the bishops here on the problems that face the Communion ….I think that in the light of the conversations we have come to a better understanding of the House in response to the questions and proposals f the Dar es Salaam Primates’ Meeting. Hope that the House, equally, has understood more fully that those questions and proposals were meant to achieve. The House will continue to reflect on them over the weekend.”

One of the ACC members opined that the US Church, post Revolutionary War, when they applied to join the Communion, agreed to alter the words of the Nicene Creed to conform to norms and standards of the Communion. This prompted the question, “You sought and took our counsel before. Why are you refusing to take our council now?”

Another ACC representative from Central Africa questioned why TEC went ahead with the confirmation of and consecration of Gene Robinson as bishop, New Hampshire, without consulting with the rest of the Communion. She said, “I had to live with what you did in America in my home town in Uganda. It was very difficult for me. If we are a Communion, we will act with regard to how our actions affect the others, not in spite of how our actions will affect others.” (These two people requested they be quoted anonymously.)

I understand that the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson addressed the Archbishop directly. I do not wish to misquote him and will attempt to get a statement from him today or tomorrow.

And so, the House will have a workday tomorrow. Most are assigned either to house demolition, or medical care or reconstruction from 9:30 to 2:30. Since that tropical storm has just been given a name and is expected to land here tomorrow, those plans may be changed. Many bishops and their wives are assigned to pastoral duty on Sunday. The Rt. Rev. James Adams, Western Kansas, will be at the Free Church of the Annunciation on Sunday for Confirmation, and baptism. (This church is out of their neighborhood and building and are using this name for now. They are an Episcopal parish.) Bishop Charles Jenkins was at Annunciation 2 months ago, but another group of people is ready to be confirmed, so Bp. Adams will don the cope and mitre and confirm, celebrate, preach and baptize. Busman’s Holiday!

I am going to end this piece with remarks Bishop Adams made to me after the meeting. Archbishop Aspinall was at his table and after the discussion yesterday, was encouraged to speak clearly to the whole house so ALL would understand why the Communiqué asked the questions they did.

Bishop Adams said, “If they don’t get it now, they weren’t paying attention. No one could have made it clearer. Our discussion yesterday included the term ‘catholicity’ and the definition of that includes full inclusion. So the question remains if those who disagree with the rest of the House will be extended full inclusion or merely tolerated – or less than tolerated. Will there be a place in The Episcopal Church for me?”

I assured Bp. Adams, who is one of the really good, Godly men in this House, that all of you want to know the answer to that question, too. Will there be a place for those who disagree with the majority in this Church? Can the bishops and clergy dial back on the rhetoric and be truly ‘inclusive?’ Or will they continue to drive the Biblically orthodox out the doors? This is the test of their integrity (and I don’t mean the gay lobby group.)

The House will be back in session on Monday and these issues will get full attention. The joint meeting of the Primate’s Council and the Anglican Consultative Council representatives, to discuss what they heard in their conversations at this meeting, will continue through the weekend.

The Archbishop of Canterbury is on his way to Armenia, and there was a passing reference to communicating with him on Tuesday, when the House releases their statement. The Archbishop did not know today if the Primates would meet and evaluate what our House produces next week. His statement, “They haven’t produced anything yet, so I can’t say.” With Lambeth only 9 months away, and so much riding on the invitation process, a decision on that issue will have to be made within the next 3 months.

We have waited many years for the meeting that just took place. We have prayed many hours for God to rescue and resurrect this Church, starting with ourselves, one person at a time. We have stayed so that we can continue to speak for the Lord Jesus Christ who is the same today as He was 2000 years ago. He is not “a way” but “The Way to the Father.” And that is not putting God into a little box; it is allowing God to BE GOD.

We must be prepared to stand on what we Know, Know, Know a while longer. Answers will come and the resolution of this situation is very near. Do not be overcome by fear, or doubt; they are not from God. Remember to pray. That is our weapon of choice. And be of good courage, because He has overcome the world and will overcome these present troubles, too.

More interviews and reports tomorrow from this meeting as they are available. I bid you peace and a great weekend. Cherie Wetzel reporting from New OrleansHOB Report #5 Late Friday Afternoon, September 21, 2007

The invited bishop members of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) will also be given time to reflect on the situation and advise the House. They are the Rt. Rev. John Paterson, Bishop of Auckland, New Zealand, the Rt. Rev. Kumara Illangasinghe of Sri Lanka and the Rt. Rev. James Tengatenga of Malawi. There are 6 lay and clergy members of the ACC here, including a female canon from England. (Yes, they are
wandering the halls with the rest of us.)

The House of Bishops’ meetings are conducted at tables of 8. Each table is made up of different theological points of view, different sizes of dioceses and different geographical regions in the US. The usual practice is that after a subject is presented, the table discusses that subject and then writes comments or conclusions. Each table presents their comments to see if the House has reached consensus. All of the guests above, with the exception of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who sits on the dais with the Presiding Bishop, were seated yesterday at a table with our bishops. From what I understand, exchanges and conversation flowed at each table.

You know human nature. When news is withheld, rumors run rampant. Yesterday was no exception, even in the press room. Since there are no real facts to give you about how the meeting is going or what may or may not be already decided, let me assure you that as soon as we have hard facts, I will get them to you. We have a press conference
with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Presiding Bishop at the end of the afternoon
session today, roughly 4:30. After that, the Archbishop will leave New Orleans and return to England.

Please pray that he is able to get out of New Orleans, as a tropical storm appears to be
approaching. It is expected to at least temporarily close the airport. The Primate’s
Council members and the ACC members are staying for the weekend for their own meetings. It is not known if they will publish their own statements about our Church’s positions on the issues requested by the Primate’s Dar es Salaam Communiqué last February.

Bishop Rob O’Neil, Colorado, made an elaborate statement yesterday at the press briefing that the work of the 2006 General Convention with regard to the Windsor Report issues, was submitted to a small sub-committee appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury that approved their actions and said the church had met the requirements of the Windsor Report. He then confessed that he didn’t know why the Primate’s
communiqué was so negative and oppositional to TEC. They had been given a pass, he explained, and that was undone later in the Primate’s meeting. He spoke as if this outcome was a complete mystery.

My experience at the Executive Council last spring was that they were fully willing to name primates as the protracted antago