wfn.org | ACNS3478 The Presiding Bishop of ECUSA writes to the bishops

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3478     |     USA     |	  16 JUNE 2003

The Presiding Bishop of ECUSA writes to the bishops before General
Convention

June 12, 2003

[ACNS source: Episcopal News Service]

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 Revd 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

[Related articles and links are available from the ACNS Human Sexuality
Issues section
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/special/humansexuality/index.html]

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