A criticism leveled at older "traditionalist" clergy is that they are becoming more congregational in their thinking and practice of ministry. As the months and years go by, I feel more isolated from the diocese and national church, and my only hope for survival is to turn my attention to the needs of my parish.

I was born, baptized, confirmed and ordained in the Church of England. After about eight years there I served more than 12 years in the Anglican Church of Canada and for the past 13 or so in the Episcopal Church. My experience in serving three churches in our communion is noteworthy. I will not leave the Anglican fold and must exercise my pastoral ministry "divorced" from the happenings at national and diocesan level. Some see this as a head in the sand approach but it is the only one left for me.

Since I have been in my present parish I have reopened a mission which the diocese had closed, and twice a month I visit a neighboring church where there is no resident priest. I have seen my congregations grow, preparing them for the time when I must retire.

I am nurturing myself spiritually by a midweek Holy Communion service from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. I do not change the order or make additions and subtractions as we usually did in the past, but pay attention to the rubrics, celebrating as the 1928 compilers intended. It is a wonderful experience and one I recommend.

With a little more flexibility and tolerant understanding our more "liberal" minded bishops could win back many of those who have been lost through their intolerance and dictatorial attitudes. Winning back lost membership is a laudable thing to do. It is certainly better than being like an army of lemmings heading for self-destruction.

(The Rev.) Michael G. Cole

St. John's Church

Halifax, Va.