In an open letter to the Most Rev. Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop, seven Anglican primates asked Bishop Griswold, referring to the the "primary authority of the Holy Scriptures" and the Lambeth Council's sexuality resolution, "to examine the directions apparently proposed by some in your Province and take whatever steps may be necessary to uphold the moral teaching and Christian faith the Anglican Communion has received."

The seven primates are: the Most Rev. David M. Gitari, Archbishop of Kenya; the Most Rev. Richard H. Goodhew, Archbishop of Sydney; the Most Rev. Emmanuel M. Kolini, Archbishop of Rwanda; the Rt. Rev. Ghais A. Malik, President Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East; the Most Rev. Donald L. Mtetemela, Archbishop of Tanzania; the Most Rev. Maurice W. Sinclair, Presiding Bishop of the Southern Cone of America; the Most Rev. Moses Tay, Archbishop of South East Asia, and the Rt. Rev Colin F. Bazley, Presiding Bishop of the Southern Cone, 1989-95.

Expressing "sorrow and disappointment" over statements of discord within the Anglican Communion and sympathy for Bishop Griswold's situation, the primates wrote, "We know too that there are leaders within your own Province who do not wish to follow, and in the past have even broken, the teachings reaffirmed at Lambeth ... We think with particular concern of (the sexuality resolution) ..."

The bishops said, "It is our concern that we should work sensitively and pastorally in full recognition of this resolution which affirms the Gospel welcome, as well as the Gospel obedience and Gospel hope ..."

Reaffirming God's love for all, they said, "The Church must listen to all her members but they must listen to the Church as well ... We must seek to bring healing to every kind of brokenness with both the compassion and the truth of our Lord."

Stating they felt an obligation to address actions disputing Lambeth resolutions as grievously wrong, they said, "We therefore ask you, dear brother, to examine the directions apparently proposed by some in your Province and take whatever steps may be necessary to uphold the moral teaching and Christian faith the Anglican Communion has received. In doing this you will have the prayers and support of us all and you will bring healing and renewal to your church.

"The best hope for preserving the fullness of our unity in one Communion is found for each of us in drawing closer to our common Lord and Savior and in prayer and intercession together. We write this letter in the cause of such unity and koinonia. Our aim is fraternal for we believe that within our family of faith heart should speak to heart and speak the truth in love. Reticence should not prevent us from speaking lovingly, openly and directly."