At a recent meeting of clergy in the Diocese of San Joaquin called by Bishop John-David Schofield, I had a flashback to the '70s. The meeting was one of three the bishop called to seek out a diocesan response to the "pastoral emergency" created by the actions of General Convention. My flashback was to a series of similar meetings in the Diocese of Maine when the crisis was the ordination of women. There, among the more conservative / traditional clergy in the diocese, predictions of dire consequences were made, drastic actions were proposed, red faces and loud words proliferated. In retrospect, the amount of energy expended was wholly out of proportion to the actual outcomes.

So what was said at this meeting? The bishop referred to an editorial in this magazine as proof that even the moderates in the church recognize the crisis [TLC, Sept. 24]. He argued that since we no longer keep strict parish boundaries, perhaps we should loosen diocesan boundaries. He noted that he had requests from several parishes in neighboring dioceses which had approached him for pastoral oversight, and offered to give up any parishes in San Joaquin which did not appreciate his leadership.

Are we as a church really in crisis, or, as in the past, are some of us just expressing traditional Episcopalian angst over change and challenge? Yes, there were some losses in the '70s and '80s, but they were not the arterial bleeding often alluded to by our conservative brethren. There have also been gains and a sense of excitement and vibrancy as the church faces new challenges for growth and ministry.

As a cradle Episcopalian, I've always considered our strength as a church was our diversity. One of the adhesives which bonded us was our ability to sustain a civil dialogue over our differences. Perhaps we should consider the advice of Gamaliel (Acts 6:34-37), be a little understanding of the current paranoia, have a glass of sherry, sit down, and gain a little perspective. The church has survived far worse.

(The Rev.) Mark Heathcote Hall

Interim, St. Anne's Church

Stockton, Calif.