A Look Back
A Special Letter From Bishops Edward Salmon and William Skilton - Thursday, August 7, 2003
To the Clergy and People of the Diocese of South Carolina
Dear Friends,
Because of the extensive media coverage of the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, I am certain that all of you are aware of the decision of the Convention to affirm the election of the bishop-elect of New Hampshire, who is gay and living in an extra-marital relationship. Yesterday the House of Bishops decided not officially to authorize the blessings of same sex relationships but explicitly to acknowledge that they are occurring and to encourage those who want to perform them to continue to do so, lending more momentum to local option than ever. Kendall Harmon, Canon Theologian, has described this resolution as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The resolution will go to the House of Deputies this afternoon.
Your entire deputation from South Carolina, including your bishops were opposed to the approval of the bishop-elect of New Hampshire as violating the Constitution of the Episcopal Church, as well as the teaching of Holy Scripture, natural law and the teaching of the Church for almost two thousand years. We are not opposed to the care and place of gay and lesbian in our churches, believing that on the cross Jesus died for the sins of the whole world – each one of us.
Before we came to Minneapolis Bishop Skilton and I attended a meeting of Anglican leaders from around the world in Virginia. At that meeting we appealed to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Primates around the Anglican Communion to intervene in our struggle. There was a negative reaction from the leadership of our church, believing that this was our business and did not concern the Communion. I am pleased to say that today I believe that many in our church see this issue around human sexuality to be of concern to the whole Communion. What we do affects others profoundly. I am certain that what we have done and will do will result in responses from around the Anglican Communion and will help us all as we work through this situation.
Where do we go from here? On Monday, August 18th, I have scheduled a meeting with the Standing Committee at 9:00 a.m. to bring them up to date. At 10:30, we will meet with the clergy of the diocese along with members of our deputation to General Convention.
We are also networking with several dioceses in the United States as well as Anglican leadership to keep our position strong and to continue to clarify how we go forward. We do this in a spirit of humility and in constant prayer, so that redeemed sinners we are, we will not fall into a spirit of self-righteousness. Pray with us and for us. Pray for the Church and for those with whom we disagree. Pray for the light that only the Holy Spirit can give.
To the Clergy and People of the Diocese of South Carolina
Dear Friends,
Because of the extensive media coverage of the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, I am certain that all of you are aware of the decision of the Convention to affirm the election of the bishop-elect of New Hampshire, who is gay and living in an extra-marital relationship. Yesterday the House of Bishops decided not officially to authorize the blessings of same sex relationships but explicitly to acknowledge that they are occurring and to encourage those who want to perform them to continue to do so, lending more momentum to local option than ever. Kendall Harmon, Canon Theologian, has described this resolution as a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The resolution will go to the House of Deputies this afternoon.
Your entire deputation from South Carolina, including your bishops were opposed to the approval of the bishop-elect of New Hampshire as violating the Constitution of the Episcopal Church, as well as the teaching of Holy Scripture, natural law and the teaching of the Church for almost two thousand years. We are not opposed to the care and place of gay and lesbian in our churches, believing that on the cross Jesus died for the sins of the whole world – each one of us.
Before we came to Minneapolis Bishop Skilton and I attended a meeting of Anglican leaders from around the world in Virginia. At that meeting we appealed to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Primates around the Anglican Communion to intervene in our struggle. There was a negative reaction from the leadership of our church, believing that this was our business and did not concern the Communion. I am pleased to say that today I believe that many in our church see this issue around human sexuality to be of concern to the whole Communion. What we do affects others profoundly. I am certain that what we have done and will do will result in responses from around the Anglican Communion and will help us all as we work through this situation.
Where do we go from here? On Monday, August 18th, I have scheduled a meeting with the Standing Committee at 9:00 a.m. to bring them up to date. At 10:30, we will meet with the clergy of the diocese along with members of our deputation to General Convention.
We are also networking with several dioceses in the United States as well as Anglican leadership to keep our position strong and to continue to clarify how we go forward. We do this in a spirit of humility and in constant prayer, so that redeemed sinners we are, we will not fall into a spirit of self-righteousness. Pray with us and for us. Pray for the Church and for those with whom we disagree. Pray for the light that only the Holy Spirit can give.
posted by Anglican Feedbag | 11:14 PM
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