A Statement by the Presiding Bishop and the Council of Advice
Episcopal News Service. November 12, 1991 [91238]
During our regular fall meeting we discussed the Episcopal Synod of America's "Action Plan" as adopted by their Synodical Council on November 8, 1991. We noted that during the last six years the presiding bishop and the House of Bishops have made strenuous efforts, formally and informally, to bring about reconciliation with those who have not been in agreement with actions of the Episcopal Church through General Convention. These efforts have continued even now as we have met to plan for the special March meeting of the House of Bishops, during which further discussion could take place in a proper forum. We regret that the Action Plan and the expressed intent that it be carried out immediately indicates that these efforts have been unsuccessful.
We are acutely aware of the pastoral and canonical difficulties the plan creates. We have a special concern for clergy and congregations who are not supportive of the plan but will be affected by it. We call upon the Episcopal Synod of America and those holding oversight for it to cease from implementing this plan, which clearly points toward schism.
We are deeply troubled that the Synodical Council has taken the position that those who do not agree with them have rejected the authority of Scripture and the Creed and "suppress and persecute biblical Christianity." This assertion is, at the very least, confusing to the faithful. More seriously, it is theologically ungrounded and can only sow disunity in the church, whose faith, unity, and discipline we have promised to uphold.
We continue to pray for healing of the kind that can only come from God. We call on the church to pray for the reconciliation of those who would adopt the Action Plan separating themselves from the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
[The Council of Advice is composed of the nine bishops who have been elected by each province of the Episcopal Church to serve as its president or vice-president, and the vice-president of the House of Bishops.]
The Most Rev. Edmond L. Browning, Presiding Bishop, 800-334-7626
The Rt. Rev. Arthur E. Walmsley, Province I, 203-233-4481
The Rt. Rev. O'Kelley Whitaker, Province II, 315-474-6596
The Rt. Rev. A. Heath Light, Province III, 703-342-6797
The Rt. Rev. Robert W. Estill, Province IV, 919-787-6313
The Rt. Rev. Roger. J. White, Province V, 414-272-3028
The Rt. Rev. Charles I. Jones, Province VI, 406-442-2230
The Rt. Rev. Sam Hulsey, Province VII, 806-763-1370
The Rt. Rev. Neptali Larrea, Province IX, 011-593-252-8533
The Rt. Rev. James Ottley, Vice-Pres., House of Bishops, 011-507-624-558
The Rt. Rev. Herbert A. Donovan, Sec., House of Bishops, 501-372-2168