The Bishop of Rio Grande Writes His Clergy

http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/3276/

[Stand Firm] 31 May 2007--The Standing Committee/Trustees and the Council of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande held a joint planning retreat in El Paso on May 18-19, 2007, to identify some of the challenges that might face the Diocese in the months ahead in light of the larger Anglican Communion developments. Specifically, we are concerned about what might be the impact of the primates’ Communiqué and the response from the Episcopal Church come Sept. 30, 2007 – Will there be a walking apart between the Episcopal Church and parts of the Anglican Communion? How might this affect life in our own congregations?

It seems wise that we identify some principles to guide us in dealing with the problems that will be created should one or more of our congregations attempt to alter their relationship with the Diocese and the Episcopal Church. Two resolutions were approved unanimously, which commit us to seek negotiated rather than litigated solutions. It is our hope that we will not have to face such a painful moment, and we will work diligently to keep the lines of communication open between the diocese and congregations deeply alienated from the actions of the Episcopal Church especially since 2003.