Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold explained in a letter to the Episcopal Church why he abstained during the vote on the resolution on homosexuality at the Lambeth Conference [TLC, Aug. 30].

"I chose to abstain during the vote," Bishop Griswold explained. "I did so because I found parts of the resolution positive both in tone and content, particularly when considered in relationship to the nuances of the report on which it is based. At the same time, I took exception to other parts and believe that we must explore more fully the whole question of what is compatible and 'incompatible with scripture.' It must be noted that faithful persons in our church, who see themselves as under the authority of scripture, do not all interpret the Bible in the same way."

Bishop Griswold said he wanted to assure people of his commitment to gay and lesbian Episcopalians.

"For me, homosexuality is not primarily a cause or an issue: It is a matter of men and women I know, respect and love, and whose many gifts have enriched my life and continue to bless and upbuild the church."

The Presiding Bishop, noting that the Lambeth Conference is not a legislative body, said the sexuality resolution was one which was brought forward by a section group working on the topic.

"Their resolution was based on the careful report they had crafted over more than two weeks of intense conversation," he wrote. "This group of persons of widely diverse opinions opened themselves to show one another the deep sense of the action of God in their lives and particular circumstances, and offered to the conference the fruits of their efforts.

"It is my hope and prayer that the Lambeth resolution commitment 'to listen to the experience of homosexual persons' will lead to a broader conversation which will more fully reveal God's lived word of grace at work in the lives of gay and lesbian Anglican Christians."

Bishop Griswold said he will attempt to foster "a climate of frank and respectful conversation which will allow different points of view to address and hear one another, not only within our own Episcopal Church, but more widely in the Anglican Communion."

Other bishops also issued statements and letters shortly after the Lambeth Conference concluded. The Rt. Rev. Richard Shimpfky, Bishop of El Camino Real, addressed a letter to the gay and lesbian Christians of El Camino Real. He called the day of the vote on the resolution "a very disappointing day for me and for the whole Communion of Anglicans around the world, a hurtful day for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in all of our parishes and missions, a hurtful day for all who are called to carry to the world the love of God in Jesus Christ."

Bishop Shimpfky said the struggle is righteous and will continue, and that right will prevail.

The Rt. Rev. James L. Jelinek, Bishop of Minnesota, noted that biblical training for some clergy is different from that in other parts of the Anglican world, and that it focuses on biblical literalism rather than biblical interpretation, and he said it is understandable that some people see the matter differently.

"The church will continue its standards and process for ordination as it has for hundreds of years," he said. "We will continue to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all people."