The consecration in Singapore of two American priests as bishops [TLC, Feb. 20] has brought forth reactions from a wide variety of Episcopalians and other Anglicans. Organizations of traditional Episcopalians were among the first to respond to the consecrations of Bishops Charles H. Murphy III and John Rodgers.

Forward in Faith North America (formerly Episcopal Synod of America), based in Fort Worth, released a five-point statement which notes that "the principal responsibility for the current crisis rests squarely on the leadership of the Episcopal Church" because church leaders have not responded to "repeated calls for new ways of structuring the institution in order to enable its orthodox members to remain within it while retaining theological integrity and the privileges of full membership."

FIFNA challenges the leadership of the church to provide ways "for those congregations which no longer in good conscience can remain under the authority of their diocesan bishops to leave their current diocesan connection with their material possessions intact."

The American Anglican Council (AAC), a Dallas-based organization, issued a statement noting the consecrations marked the beginning of a difficult "new reality" in the Episcopal Church. The AAC statement said it would "continue its struggle for biblical truth," and it called on the Episcopal Church to provide for alternative oversight.

Concerned Clergy and Laity of the Episcopal Church called the consecrations "the most positive move to heal the very deep divisions in the faith for more than a generation.

"They provide a singular hope and promise of honest sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of devout Episcopal laymen, priests, and parishes who have often been the victims of harsh repression and intimidation by extremist bishops and an uncaring national leadership ..."

Reform Ireland, an organization of traditionalists in the Church of Ireland, said it hopes "this act will be a turning point in the life and witness of the Anglican Communion, and will lead us all to recover a vision of bishops as evangelists and teachers of God's word, overseeing missionary congregations in the task of bringing the good news of Jesus to the lost."

The Rt. Rev. Edward L. Salmon, Jr., Bishop of South Carolina, where Bishop Murphy is rector of All Saints' Church, Pawleys Island, issued a pastoral letter to his congregations. "The consecrations pose serious questions about the relationships of provinces of the Anglican Communion to the American church, doctrinal and canonical issues within the American church, and canonical questions within the Diocese of South Carolina." He said it was "important to minimize further divisions and to urge the whole church to seek a godly solution."

Bishop David Pytches, an Englishman who was one of the consecrators, told Church Times that he and other participants felt it was "impossible" for the Episcopal Church to reform itself, and that they felt their action was a step toward a separate Anglican province in this country.

For the most part, American bishops reacted negatively to the consecrations.

"While I acknowledge the conscience and conviction of those who have taken this action, I believe that it is unwise and detrimental to the mission of the church," said the Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley, Jr., Bishop of Alabama. He said he was saddened by the event and urged members of his diocese "not to react hastily or in anger."

Bishop William D. Persell of Chicago called the consecrations "a provocative and divisive act that works against the mutual respect and tolerance that have characterized the relationships of Anglican provinces ..." He said the participation of two primates in that service was "undermining the church's life and work through this unwarranted intrusion into our province's affairs."

The Rt. Rev. William D. Smalley, Bishop of Kansas, referred to the meeting of primates and others in Kampala, Uganda, which took place last November. "I am surprised and not a little disappointed," he said, "that people who were present at Kampala, and expressed support for what was agreed upon, have moved now beyond that agreement and have taken action that is contrary to the tenor and spirit of our understanding."

Bishop John W. Howe of Central Florida said he was not surprised by the Singapore event and added, "I don't think this will solve the problem. I am saddened to see folks resorting to what is really a desperate measure."

Three Anglican leaders who are supportive of the participants in the consecrations issued their own statement. The Most Rev. Harry Goodhew, Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Rev. Donald L. Mtetemela, Archbishop of Tanzania, and the Most Rev. Maurice W. Sinclair, Presiding Bishop of the Southern Cone, said, "We regret that pressures upon traditionalists within the Episcopal Church in the U.S. should have accumulated to the point at which two primates, whom we hold in esteem, felt compelled to take this present action on their own initiative and contrary to what was agreed in a meeting in which they shared in Kampala. We are disappointed that our friends acted against our clear advice and we cannot approve such a step as they have taken at this time."

The diocesan council of the Diocese of Pittsburgh affirmed its partnership with two Anglican dioceses in Rwanda, despite the participation of two Rwandan bishops in the consecration. The 24-member council said, "our partnership with Rwanda is a matter of spiritual companionship and humanitarian aid, has nothing to do with the consecrations in Singapore and should not be interpreted as support for such actions."