You are here
ARIZONA: Bishop Pulls Plug on Evangelical Priest Without Warning
by Keith Andrews
March 15, 2005
It came to my attention on Monday, March 14, that Bishop Smith has written and mailed a letter to our members. I'd like to give you some background on this letter as you anticipate its arrival in your mailbox.
1. A few weeks ago, Bishop Smith asked for a meeting with our Vestry. We gladly met with him on March 8 to hear from him and to communicate with him our concerns over revisionist theology in the Church. The Bishop has communicated a desire for us to remain in ECUSA, but also promised to me at a clergy retreat in Prescott on February 3 and our Vestry on March 8 an amicable separation, if this becomes necessary.
2. At the close of our meeting we spoke of our decision-making process and he asked to be present at the March 21 meeting. We declined and asked for a letter that I would read to all of you at the meeting.
3. Instead of allowing me to read our Bishop's response at our meeting, the Bishop elected to mail his letter to our members.
4. The Bishop also has decided to appoint Fr. Kerry priest in charge of St. James. This is an action taken by bishops to care for those who remain with ECUSA once a separation occurs. While I cannot be sure, and perhaps depending on those that decide to remain in ECUSA, the Bishop may decide to keep the name of our church and the property at 975 E. Warner Rd.
The Bishop's action, and more importantly, Fr. Kerry's acceptance of the appointment breaches the trust in our relationship. Previously, Fr. Kerry told the Bishop he was not comfortable with this appointment, but feels a need to accept it nonetheless. I am disappointed by his decision. Due to the obvious conflict of interest, with great sorrow, I have terminated Fr. Kerry's ministry among us effective Tuesday, March 15.
5. On Sunday, we will worship on both campuses as usual. I will preach and celebrate at 7:45, 9:30 in Ahwatukee and 10:45. Pastor Jack will take the sermon at St. James Place in cooperation with Sydney James.
I want you to know how sorry I am that this has happened in the way that it has, especially in light of the fact that our Vestry is still in prayer. Be assured of my love and concern for all of you as I have proven for these many years. I still hope that our Bishop wants to work through these issues with Christian charity and I am trusting in God with hope in Jesus. I ask for your prayers in this regard.
It remains our intent to address all of these issues at our meeting this Monday. We need each of you to personally attend to assure you understand our decision and to enable each and every one of you to express yourself on these matters.
--The Rev. Keith Andrews, rector [or, if this is correct, now former rector] of St. James' Church, Tempe, Arizona in the Diocese of Arizona
