wfn.org | Episcopalians: Presiding Bishop writes to bishops before General Convention

[dmack@episcopalchurch.org]

June 13, 2003

2003-140

Episcopalians: Presiding Bishop writes to bishops before General 
Convention

June 12, 2003
For all bishops
Dear brothers and sisters:

General Convention is almost here and its theme, Engage God's 
Mission, draws upon energies and commitment evident around our 
church.  We will be building on work in which we as a House of 
Bishops have been engaged for some time, particularly since our 
fall meeting in 2001 in Burlington, Vermont immediately 
following the events of September 11. Over these last three 
years, we have explored mission as our participation in God's 
work of reconciling all things to himself in Christ.  I have 
every expectation that our forthcoming Convention will take us 
deeper into that work as we draw upon the grace of Christ and 
the wisdom of the Spirit.  Everything that happens in the life 
of the church is an invitation to reveal more fully the 
reconciling power of the gospel: this is something I have been 
made freshly aware of by my recent visit to my brothers and 
sisters in the Church of Uganda.

The election of the Rev. Canon V. Gene Robinson by the laity and 
clergy of the Diocese of New Hampshire to serve as their Bishop 
Coadjutor has received wide comment in the press and other 
media. Great joy and deep distress are emotions being felt by 
many within our church. Some view the election as prophetic and 
an action of the Holy Spirit, while others view it as 
disregarding Scripture, Tradition and the larger view of the 
Anglican Communion, which they see as expressed in a resolution 
on sexuality of the 1998 Lambeth Conference.  This variety of 
opinion should not surprise us. As the report of the Theology 
Committee so clearly stated, "The depth and complexity of human 
sexuality are reflected in the multiple understandings and 
interpretations held by thoughtful people."  We have seen these 
various interpretations articulated over these last days in 
response to the New Hampshire election, and discussion will 
doubtless continue.

In the face of strongly-held divergent opinions on what 
constitutes God's desire, my concern is how we move with grace 
through this time. As Presiding Bishop and chief pastor of the 
church, it is my duty to ensure that all perspectives are 
treated with reverence, care and mutual respect in the service 
of a unity, not of our own creation, but rather given to us 
through our baptism into Christ.  This means that though we may 
disagree, no one can say, "I have no need of you" to another 
member of the church.  I hope that in the weeks ahead we will be 
mindful of this, and of the following points as well.

First, we need to respect the action of the Diocese of New 
Hampshire. After a search, nomination and election process they 
have made their choice of a priest who has served in their 
Diocese for 28 years.  Gene Robinson was elected by the Diocese 
of New Hampshire because he is a highly respected person.  He is 
a fellow member of the body of Christ, not the symbol of an 
issue.

The election of a bishop also involves approval by the whole 
church, inasmuch as a bishop is a bishop for the whole church.	
According to the Constitution of our church, when the election 
of a bishop occurs fewer than 120 days before a General 
Convention, the church's consent must be secured at the 
Convention by the House of Deputies and by the diocesan bishops 
with jurisdiction.  By canon and by tradition, the House of 
Deputies first gives its consent and then the consents of 
bishops with jurisdiction are sought. At our forthcoming General 
Convention, the election of ten bishops will be put forward for 
consent.  All of these are equally important.

And here I need to add that it is unfortunate, but predictable, 
that the media and some others will doubtless be focused upon 
consent in the case of the New Hampshire election.  I hope that 
a distinction can be made between the consent to the 
consecration of a bishop who is a priest in good standing 
partnered with a member of the same sex, and the continuing 
debate regarding formal actions by the church in the area of 
human sexuality.  We as bishops, together with our diocesan 
deputations, need to keep our eyes fixed on the larger purposes 
for which we gather as a church, namely the enduring mission of 
God in Christ who has reconciled all things to himself through 
the cross.

Last of all, let me share with you a prayer I recite frequently. 
 You may find it useful as well, particularly during the days of 
our General Convention.  It comes from a man who knew the 
burdens of episcope intimately--Philaret, Patriarch of Moscow.	
It runs as follows:

Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. 
Help me in 
all things to rely on your holy will.
In every hour of the 
day reveal your will to me.
Teach me to treat all that comes 
to me throughout the day with peace of soul,
and with firm 
conviction that your will governs everything.
In all my deeds 
and words guide my thoughts and feelings.
In unforeseen 
events let me not forget that all are sent by you.
Teach me 
to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing 
others.
Give me the strength to bear the fatigue of the 
coming day with all that it shall bring.
Direct my will. 
Teach me to pray. Pray yourself in me.

As always, in the love of Christ, your brother,

------

Frank T. Griswold
Presiding Bishop and Primate