Bishop Jane Dixon's decision to challenge the call of Fr. Sam Edwards to Christ Church, Accokeek, Md. [TLC, April 1], should send a chill down the spine of all the orthodox faithful in the Episcopal Church. Bishop Dixon's objection to Fr. Edwards seems to be because of the fact that he supports positions which oppose the ordination of non-celibate homosexual persons, the blessing of same-sex unions, and the ordination of women, positions still held and deemed as orthodox within the Anglican Communion.

The key issue at stake in this case is not theological, but rather ecclesiastical. Faithful Christians continue to disagree and to struggle with the broader theological issues. However, for a bishop to attempt to prohibit a presbyter in good standing from serving simply on the grounds that he embraces the orthodoxy of 2,000 years of church history is unconscionable. Moreover, it flies in the face of the Presiding Bishop's pleas for pluralism, inclusivity and tolerance.

One can only hope that in the light of the Lent 4 gospel, Bishop Dixon will "come to herself" and see the enormity of her error.

(The Rev.) James E. Flowers, Jr.

St. Timothy's Church

Alexandria, La.