My Letter to Katharine Jefferts Schori

The Hackney Hub · Oct 21, 2012

Sent yesterday in the mail about the DSC stuff...

Dear Presiding Bishop,

I write to inform you of my opinion of your recent actions against the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence, Bishop of South Carolina. I could hardly believe my eyes when I read the story in the Episcopal News Service. I was (and am) shocked and equally embarrassed by the actions of the national church against one of the oldest dioceses in our Protestant Episcopal Church. Such actions are disgraceful and not befitting to a Christian bishop nor are they without consequences, as you are well aware. Disregarding the argument over whether a diocese can or cannot leave the national church, we will be losing a majority if not nearly all of the 29,000 members of the Diocese of South Carolina. I do not understand your perceived lack of concern over this. Disregarding the obvious theological differences between yourself and Bishop Lawrence, how can losing nearly 30,000 souls not trouble you as a Christian bishop, much less the Presiding Bishop of this Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America?

I understand that the majority of the bishops of this Church are in agreement about matters of faith and joined together in a common vision for the future of this Church. I only ask you, as a layman, a vestryman, and, most importantly, as a Christian, to please allow those who do not agree with this vision the space to grow in “the knowledge and love of God” within this venerable Church, for we are only asking the space to be who we are. However, if the Church has no room for us, I'm afraid that we will have to move elsewhere to worship the Lord “in spirit and in truth.” I only ask you to treat those who disagree with you with as much pastoral sensitivity as you would offer to those outside of our Church.

In Jesus Christ our Lord,
Click to expand...

Scottish Knight · Oct 22, 2012

a very fair, well worded letter.

Scottish Monk · Oct 22, 2012

Good letter--please let us know if you get a response.

...Scottish Monk

Aaytch Barton · Oct 22, 2012

The Hackney Hub said: ↑

Sent yesterday in the mail about the DSC stuff...
Click to expand...

I can understand why you are upset. What I don't understand is why you are "shocked". Did you not see this coming? Does it put you in a forgiving frame of mind with respect to ACNA? Does it give you a new perspective on Anglicanism's weaknesses? Where is the tipping point for you, and is that tipping point now in view? What will you do when/if you reach the tipping point?

The Hackney Hub · Oct 22, 2012

A bad bishop doesn't change anything. If anything, that's normal in Anglicanism and all Christian denominations. I'm surprised that you, of all people, are plugging in for ACNA.

Aaytch Barton · Oct 22, 2012

The Hackney Hub said: ↑

A bad bishop doesn't change anything. If anything, that's normal in Anglicanism and all Christian denominations. I'm surprised that you, of all people, are plugging in for ACNA.
Click to expand...

I asked 6 separate very specific questions. You didn't answer any of them.

The Hackney Hub · Oct 22, 2012

You don't participate in constructive debate, no point feeding the flame.

Stalwart · Oct 29, 2012

Great letter Hackney. Hat off to you.

Log in or Sign up

My Letter to Katharine Jefferts Schori

The Hackney Hub Well-Known Member

Scottish Knight Well-Known Member

Scottish Monk Well-Known Member

Aaytch Barton Active Member

The Hackney Hub Well-Known Member

Aaytch Barton Active Member

The Hackney Hub Well-Known Member

Stalwart Well-Known Member Anglican