I respectfully disagree with the editorial's characterization of the bishops' statement from Province 4 as being "confusing ... by admonishing two of their own -

Bishops C. FitzSimons Allison and Alex D. Dickson in the same paragraph in which they reprimanded Bishop Spong" [TLC, July 9].

The issue in both instances is bishops disregarding the church's unity, faith and polity. It is my feeling the teachings and actions of bishops like John Spong, and the irregular consecrations in Singapore are symptomatic of the malaise that infects the Episcopal Church. In both instances, individuals or groups have rejected the mind of the church and acted with disregard for the well-being of the Anglican Communion. Such behavior is reprehensible within a church that calls itself "catholic" and whose clergy all swear an oath to "solemnly engage to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church."

The issue is how people who claim to be part of the larger holy, catholic church learn to live peaceably within that family. The extremists on both sides of the conversation about sexuality have acted unilaterally without regard for the rest of the church. In doing so, they send a powerful message that their own agendas are more important than the integrity of the family of which we are a part. In that regard Bishops Allison, Dickson and Spong all have something very much in common, even though their points of view are radically different.

(The Rev.) James O. Cravens

Lincoln, Ill.