Posted on 09/10/2003 9:37:50 AM PDT by ahadams2
5290 Saratoga Lane Woodbridge, VA 22193-3455 703-670-0093 Fax: 703-878-7015 e-mail: office@allsaintsdalecity.org www.allsaintsdalecity.org
The Rev. John A. M. Guernsey, Rector; The Rev. Valarie A. Whitcomb, Associate Rector; Mr. Mario H. Sandoval, Youth Pastor
August 12, 2003
The Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee Bishop of Virginia 110 West Franklin St. Richmond, VA 23220
Dear Bishop Lee, On behalf of the Vestry of All Saints’ Church in Dale City, we write to express our great sadness and disappointment over the actions of General Convention in consenting to the election as bishop of a man living in a sexual relationship outside of Holy Matrimony, and in approving the blessing of same sex unions. We are particularly grieved over your votes in support of both of these actions.
You know our congregation well and we are sure you understand our deep conviction that such decisions violate our foundational Christian commitment to the authority of Holy Scripture. We have read your pastoral letter carefully and acknowledge that you believe your vote on Gene Robinson was a vote on diocesan autonomy, not a vote on homosexuality. Yet we would ask if you would uphold diocesan autonomy if a heterosexual bishop-elect were living in an adulterous relationship. If a bishop is indeed a bishop of and for the whole Church, there must be limits to diocesan autonomy. We believe your vote has violated apostolic teaching and order.
We are also perplexed by your statement that “the Diocese of Virginia continues to affirm its policy that ‘the normative context for sexual intimacy is lifelong, heterosexual, monogamous marriage.’” Our rector, John Guernsey, reported to us following your meeting with him and other rectors on July 21 that you had said that, if you voted for Gene Robinson, consistency would necessitate a change in diocesan policy. He confirmed that understanding with you in writing following the meeting. We cannot reconcile your statement to him with the position you express in the pastoral letter. Furthermore, we fail to understand why consistency with diocesan policy would not lead you to vote no on Robinson.
Enclosed are copies of a statement of Repudiation and Disassociation, signed by over 275 people at last Sunday’s services. In addition, we must inform you that a significant number of individuals and families have either left the Episcopal Church or have restricted us from sharing any of their giving with the wider Church. We will still honor our pledge to give to the Diocese 13% of all unrestricted budget income, but, as a result of the decisions made by these households, we project that payments on our diocesan pledge will be reduced by at least $17,000.
The people of our congregation are deeply hurt both by the General Convention and by your votes. You are our Bishop and we have always sought to support and honor you as our spiritual authority. But we must say to you, in all humility, that we feel betrayed by your decision to vote yes on these matters.
As a result, we would respectfully ask that, instead of you visiting All Saints’ on November 9, 2003, you send Bishop Gray for confirmation. We realize that another date—perhaps on a weekday—would need to be chosen and we will certainly accommodate whatever rescheduling is necessary.
It is very sad that we believe we must make this request. We do not do so lightly. But our people are so distressed by your views that contradict the very clear teaching of Scripture that your visit this fall would be painful and divisive. We pray for a godly and positive resolution of this situation. And know that we continue to pray for you, our Bishop.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
John Meekhof; Senior Warden; Betty Mallory; Junior Warden
“Overflowing with God’s love and healing power”
I'm sure that got his attention!
Love it!! All that's missing from this sentence is the word "hypocrite".
Try not to imagine "dis"inviting Cardinal Mahony or Bishop Clark! Lol.
Can anyone say "Always our children" or the dodgy "Reflection on the Eucharist" which Cardinal Mahony wrote? Or maybe "Common Ground" by Cardinal Bernardin+?
I think the term you wanted is "Anglican." The quickest way to get an Episcopalian mad is to say that homosexual acts are a sin.
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