I was alternately delighted and then dismayed with both parts of the Rev. Brian Cox's Viewpoint article, "Bridging the Gap" [TLC, June 13, 20]. While I am a "liberal" from the "bridge-building" camp who has been praying for both reconciliation and resolution of those issues that have been tearing apart our church - and hence the body of Christ - I also share and/or am sympathetic to many of the theological and liturgical views of the "conservative" camp.

Why was I delighted? I think the author's analytical methodology is extremely useful toward an understanding of the dynamics of the parties and the range of possible options that each has to deal with conflict. Here at last, I thought as I was reading, is an attempt to analyze the positions and find some common ground.

Why was I dismayed? Part 1 ends with this statement: "If liberals prevail in changing the official teaching of the Episcopal Church on homosexuality by legislation, there will be a schism." Was the author trying to be provocative with this statement? Or does he truly believe that the liberal position, which calls for the full inclusion of gay and lesbian Christians into all of the sacraments of the Episcopal Church, can only result in schism?

In the conclusion of part 2, he suggests that "conservatives and liberals develop separate institutional frameworks, amicable division of assets, freedom for parishes and dioceses to affiliate with either institution and both institutions being recognized by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the provinces of the Anglican Communion." It seems to me that the author is advocating schism with this option.

At a theological and social level, the "schism" already exists - we are truly divided on our opinions about homosexuality (not to mention the ordination of women and prayer book revision). Institutionally, the schism grows wider every time one of our parishes leaves the Episcopal Church. Liberals are not leaving the church. Conservatives are pushing the boundaries of schism. I feel that the author's implication that the liberal position is the cause of the schism is not consistent with the desire to resolve conflict or reach reconciliation.

As we pray and converse over the issues raised by this article, let us pray that we can find common ground around which we can remain in communion and be reconciled.

Priscilla Bates-Makarias

Cambridge, Mass.