The document presented to Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold and his council of advice during the House of Bishops' meeting [p. 8] is intriguing to say the least. Authored by the Bishop of Pittsburgh, the document offers a compromise to the church in the hope of preventing division following next year's General Convention. Internet browsers were able to find a copy of the bishops' initiative while the bishops were still in their meeting, but it was revealed later that a different version was given to the Presiding Bishop.

The document presents possible changes in structure of the church and offers proposed courses of action in national, diocesan, congregational and global matters. Most controversial would be a commitment to refrain from the development of or participation in coercive national legislation within the General Convention, and a willingness for alternative episcopal oversight to be permitted to congregations which believe they would be more effective with a more supportive bishop. Such topics as a pledge for mutual support and partnership, a pledge to work for the unity of the church, and a commitment to a renewal of the mission of the church also are included.

Without seeing the final version of the document, it is difficult to commend it to the rest of the church. However, the fact that it is presented by bishops of liberal and conservative persuasions and that it attempts to avoid schism makes it an initiative worth consideration. We hope the bishops will pay attention to it.