Friday, January 19, 2007

Is this why the Diocese of Virginia's Protocol and Reconciliation Report both got the boot?

BB NOTE: One of the stunning aspects of Bishop Lee's most recent statement is that he makes no reference to the major (and I would have said signficant) contributions he and the Diocese of Virginia have made through the Reconciliation Commission (and their unanimous report) and the Bishop's Special Committee (and their unanimous report). Those were extraordinary efforts and now it is as though the Diocese of Virginia wants to pretend they never existed. But they still do: hereand here.

Is this why?


The complete text of the Presiding Bishop's January 19 statement follows.

Presiding Bishop's statement following property decisions in Virginia

The Episcopal Church, in consultation with the Diocese of Virginia, regrets the recent votes by members of some congregations in Virginia to leave this Church. We wish to be clear, however, that while individuals have the right and privilege to depart or return at any time, congregations do not. Congregations exist because they are in communion with the bishop of a diocese, through recognition by diocesan governing bodies (diocesan synods, councils, or conventions). Congregations cannot unilaterally disestablish themselves or remove themselves from a diocese. In addition, by canon law, property of all sorts held by parishes is held and must be used for the mission of the Episcopal Church through diocesan bishops and governing bodies. As a Church, we cannot abrogate our interest in such property, as it is a fiduciary and moral duty to preserve such property for generations to come and the ministries to be served both now and in the future.

The recent decisions by some members of congregations in Virginia to leave the Episcopal Church and ally with the Anglican Church of Nigeria have no cognizance in our polity. Ancient precedent (from as early as the fourth century) in the Church requires bishops to respect diocesan boundaries, and to refrain from crossing into or acting officially in dioceses other than their own. As a Church we cannot and will not work to subvert that ancient precedent by facilitating the establishment of congregations which are purportedly responsible to bishops in other parts of the Anglican Communion within the diocesan boundaries of the Episcopal Church.

The Episcopal Church continues to seek reconciliation with those who have decided to leave this Church, and reminds all parties that our doors are open to any who wish to return. Together with the Diocese of Virginia we seek to be clear about who we are as Episcopalians, and to continue to reach out in healing to this broken world. The overwhelming majority of the more than 7,600 congregations of the Episcopal Church are engaged in doing exactly that.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

"But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they ccommit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols."

Rev 2:20

Anonymous said...

That photo of KJS reminds me of the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Kevin said...

Yeah, I'd say it's why. Poor +Lee, he going back on what he said about 815 influence, he tries to play Confederate with diocesan's right (i.e. State's right) but surrenders after one meeting with them two weeks ago. I don't think history going to treat his legacy well, probably like George IV.

Probably ++KJS what a show-down with ++Akinloa. The only real way is through Virginia.

Anonymous said...

Check this out bb, and be sure to get out the tinfoil hats.

http://titusonenine.classicalanglican.net/?p=17295#comments

Anonymous said...

"Congregations exist because they are in communion with the bishop of a diocese"

I guess we could say KJS has a different take on the biblical view that congregations are united to Christ, and thereby recognized by Him, and the overseer/bishop/presbyter is appointed by Christ, called by Christ, to watch over the flock and nurture it in the Truth. Hmmm...whom should I trust?