The Rt. Rev. Paul V. Marshall, Bishop of Bethlehem, seems to have a good idea of what Anglican comprehensiveness is all about. Bishop Marshall, concerned about polarization in the Episcopal Church, has reached out to minorities in the church who hold a more conservative view of theology than he does (p. 6). Bishop Marshall, a supporter of the ordination of women and prayer book revision, does not want members of his diocese and others to feel marginalized, so he's doing something about it.

At the General Convention of 2000, Bishop Marshall will propose legislation that will bring forth an apology to those persons "who have been alienated or whose faith has been injured by any insensitivity in imposing the prayer book of 1979." The bishop also would like to see that "supplemental liturgical material" authorized by the church include the 1928 prayer book.

Similarly, Bishop Marshall will provide hospitality to bishops associated with the Episcopal Synod of America (ESA), an organization of traditionalists which believes women cannot be priests or bishops. Recalling that General Convention made it clear that the views held by ESA members are to be protected as legitimate theological stands, Bishop Marshall has given permission for two bishops associated with ESA to enter the Diocese of Bethlehem to preach and celebrate the sacraments at any time.

The strategy may have an effect on Bethlehem's neighbor, the Diocese of Pennsylvania, in which seven congregations are at odds with their bishop, who will no longer permit ESA bishops to visit those churches. Conceivably members of those churches could cross diocesan boundaries to receive initiation rites.

In a letter to the clergy of his diocese, Bishop Marshall states that no person or organization solicited him on this matter, but that through prayer and reflection he decided that the offer was faithful to the gospel of Christ. Bishop Marshall's magnanimous gesture is an encouragement to many. At a time when it would appear that the church is in danger of being torn asunder, the Bishop of Bethlehem is making a bold statement to Episcopalians about what makes a truly inclusive church.