I would like to applaud and commend Bishop Paul Marshall for his incredible decision to allow Episcopal Synod of America bishops to preach and celebrate the sacraments in his diocese. I cannot agree with most of the positions that the ESA espouses. Nonetheless, I think the Episcopal Church is better off with ESA members in our tent rather than somewhere else. I also agree with Bishop Marshall that faithfulness to the gospel of Christ compels us to welcome all those who do agree with the ESA's positions to be part of our church.

I fully support Bishop Marshall's plan to introduce legislation at the next General Convention that would extend an apology to anyone who has been alienated by the imposition of the 1979 prayer book. As is well known, many other churches of the Anglican Communion have introduced alternative service books while allowing the ongoing use of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer or its equivalent and I see no reason why the Episcopal Church should not have followed the same course.

In a spirit of reconciliation and hope for a united church, I suggest that all Episcopalians do all we can to help Bishop Marshall in his efforts to introduce and enact the legislation described in TLC. And I hope other bishops will follow his irenic example regarding the ESA.

Stephen L. White

Princeton, N.J.