I have been a member of the Diocese of New Jersey since 1959, and I resent the editorial on the resignation of Bishop Joe Morris Doss. While I am a great believer in the freedom of speech, I also believe that opinions by editors should be based on facts and not on opinions gathered from questionable sources.

Bishop Van Duzer appointed me as lay chairman of Venture in Mission in 1982, a job that continued when Bishop Belshaw became diocesan. In that capacity I visited every parish, large and small, in our diocese and I talked to almost to every vestry and parish priest. I was not aware that there ever was a division between north and south, and the results of our Venture in Mission belie the editorial's statement that this diocese lacked vision or accountability. This diocese was so united and so intent to follow the leadership of Bishops Van Duzer and Belshaw that they provided more than $3.5 million for Venture in Mission.

The suggestion that our council and standing committee should resign borders on the ridiculous. They were elected by a vast majority during our diocesan convention. They represent the large majority of our congregations.