Letter from HoD President Bonnie Anderson

This letter from President Bonnie Anderson is directed to members of the House of Deputies but is well worth reading for EVERY member of the Episcopal Church ...

The President of the House of Deputies
January 17, 2008

Greetings in the name of Christ,

As by now you are well aware, the Episcopal Church Title IV Review Committee that Bishop John-David Schofield has abandoned the communion of the Episcopal Church. In accordance with Title IV, Canon 9, Sec. 1 consent for inhibition from three senior Bishops has been given and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has inhibited Diocese of San Joaquin Bishop John-David Schofield.

Following is a list of links providing background, history and current status of the situation to date:

• Presiding Bishop inhibits San Joaquin bishop
  San Joaquin's remaining Episcopalians to gather for reconciliation, inclusion, celebration
• In San Joaquin, conflicting responses to bishop's inhibition issued on his behalf
• Remain Episcopal website
• Diocese of San Joaquin (Southern Cone) website
  

Remain Episcopal of the Diocese of San Joaquin has planned an upcoming day long gathering called "Moving Forward, Welcoming All" to be held at Church of the Saviour, Hanford, CA, January 26, 2008. This event will be the culmination of a five-day listening tour in the diocese by the Rev. Canon Bob Moore, whom Bishop Katharine has appointed to be an interim pastoral presence in San Joaquin.

I have been invited by Remain Episcopal to participate in the event and I look forward to the worship, discussion and celebration.The future will be revealed through the grace and abundance of God's inclusive love. Remain Episcopal is working to rebuild and renew the diocese with those who wish to remain within the Episcopal Church. Its vision is one of a church that welcomes all, regardless of theological perspective.

There are a number of ways General Convention deputies can provide much needed support to our sisters and brothers in Christ in the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin. You can pray regularly for Episcopalians in San Joaquin, and urge the people in your diocese to do the same.

Part of the charge to all deputies is to help keep the members of their dioceses informed. You can urge people to read the information listed above so that they understand what is happening in San Joaquin. If you or your diocese want to support Episcopalians in the Diocese of San Joaquin, Remain Episcopal has identified specific assistance that is needed. The need includes liturgical items, clergy assistance, and monetary support. A specific list and details about how to help are listed at the bottom of this message.

Through my visits and communications with those living through this time of transition, I can assure you that your prayers are felt and appreciated. It is my deepest hope that the listening process and culminating event will reveal a new path forward paved with our baptismal promises. We are all called to live out those promises and I am grateful that within the House of Deputies there is a deep and abiding commitment to that truth.

I continue to hold each of you in prayer and I ask the same from you.

Peace,
Bonnie Anderson, D.D.
President, The House of Deputies
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