As promised [TLC, May 23], the Rt. Rev. Paul Marshall, Bishop of Bethlehem, allowed the Rt. Rev. Donald J. Parsons, retired Bishop of Quincy, to confirm 38 people at St. Stephen's Church, Whitehall, Pa., May 18.

Those who were confirmed or received are all members of parishes in the Diocese of Pennsylvania affiliated with the Episcopal Synod of America. The parishes have refused to accept visitations from or ministries of the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Bishop of Pennsylvania.

The Rev. Richard Upsher Smith, rector of All Saints', Wynnewood, presented three candidates, the Rev. David Moyer, rector of Good Shepherd, Rosemont, presented eight candidates, and the Rev. Philip Lyman, rector of St. John's, Huntingdon Valley, presented 27 candidates, including 89-year-old Virginia Gable.

The Rev. Joseph Falzone, rector of St. Stephen's, Whitehall, read a letter from Bishop Marshall just before the service.

"I am sorry not to be with you as planned, but on Sunday afternoon, in the negotiations that allowed us to proceed as planned with this service, it was the Presiding Bishop's request that I not be present. It seemed best to comply, so that my primary objective could be met, and these candidates receive the sacrament of confirmation."

His primary objective, as he made clear in an earlier letter, was to allow rites of initiation to continue for traditionalist Episcopalians who have come to feel marginalized. "Initiatory rites are primarily ... focused on the Christian development of individual disciples ... their walk with God ought not to be put on hold while parochial and diocesan leaders work on their problems," he wrote.

"God has raised up Paul Marshall to do this - this came from deep, reflective prayer and we are so grateful," Fr. Moyer said. "It was an act of God. God raised him up to truly exemplify pastoral care and proper understanding of the church. He is a shining light - as a bishop, he had to respond."

In his letter to the congregation, Bishop Marshall warned against the temptation to think of participation in the service as "an act of defiance," or for observers to objectify the Eucharist "as a political act." He made clear that despite the "unusual circumstances," it would be "the word of God which (was) read ... and the sacramental presence of Jesus Christ himself that (would) lie upon the altar." He specifically asked that "attitudes (which) may have come along ... be checked at the door."

Fr. Smith, speaking of Bishop Marshall's invitation, said, "It was extremely charitable, generous - and courageous - of him. We are very grateful."