Bishop Smith writes to the Members of Saint John's Church, Bristol.

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=2822

[Virtue Online] July 27, 2005--Dear Members of Saint John's Church, Bristol,

I write as your bishop to clarify some matters about recent events in Saint John's and to express my hope for the future.

In light of the mounting evidence that the spiritual and financial health of Saint John's was at risk, evidenced by my discovery of the extended absence of your rector from his ministry while employed in another state, unpaid parish financial obligations, and the lack of co-operation with the diocese by lay parish leadership, I determined, as the Bishop responsible for Saint John's, to make a pastoral intervention in the parish.

Liberal hard-liner Andrew Smith seeks to rationalize and justify his suspension of the Rev. Mark Hensen and seizure of St. John's, Bristol.