The Rev. James Cravens seeks the "middle ground" between explicit denials of the Christian faith by Episcopal leaders and action to provide Anglican nurture to beleaguered parishes [TLC, July 23]. Our action was a response to the crisis of faith, the crisis of leadership and the crisis of mission in our church's accelerating departure from the biblical and credal faith.

The unrebuked denial of Christian essentials in the "12 Theses" by the erstwhile Bishop of Newark, as well as similar pronouncements by other bishops, teachers and clergy is a clear example of the crisis of faith.

The failure of episcopal action to uphold the sworn boundaries of the church's teaching is a symptom of a crisis of leadership which is rapidly eroding respect and trust of overwhelming numbers of the Anglican Communion.

The consequent sobering disaster of the Decade of Evangelism is clearly an indication of a crisis of mission. Our church is bold in administration of politically correct issues but theologically rudderless. We have elevated concern for territory over commitment to the faith that is essential to Christian mission.

The spirit of the age is encouraging us to be "conformed to this world" (Rom. 12:2). Fortunately, there are Anglican archbishops willing to nurture and encourage Episcopalians who are committed not to be "conformed to this world" but to be "transformed ...[to]... what is good and acceptable and perfect."

(The Rt. Rev.) C. FitzSimons Allison

Bishop of South Carolina, retired

(The Rt. Rev.) Alex D. Dickson

Bishop of West Tennessee, retired