Ed, the information I was given painted a totally different picture from the ENS report, and I deeply regret that I relied on this second-hand information, and did not check with you personally.

It is no excuse, but we have had major family distractions. My mother had a massive stroke on July 23, and subsequently died on July 28; and then my one year old granddaughter has had life-threatening illness this past week - on opposite sides of the continent.

But, again, this is no excuse.

I deeply apologize for drawing a conclusion, and going public with it, before contacting you and verifying the facts. I will try to call you tomorrow, Sunday, when I get back to Orlando, and I intend to talk with the co-signatories of the statement on Monday, and withdraw my name, at least; and attempt to have them do likewise.

Please forgive me for this very serious error.

Warmly in our Lord,

+John

PS. As it turned out, I was able to speak with +Ed late on Saturday evening, and he was wonderfully understanding and forgiving. I have issued a retraction to the press (via The Living Church), and I am writing to you, my Brother and Sister Bishops, to do the same.

It is my opinion that the Abandonment of Communion canon is being misused in some places by some bishops, but I do not believe that is the case in Eastern Michigan, and I deeply regret jumping to the wrong conclusion in this instance. In this difficult time of swirling misinformation and acrimony I apologize to all of you as well. Warmly and sincerely yours in our Lord,

The Right Rev. John W. Howe
Episcopal Bishop of Central Florida
1017 East Robinson Street
Orlando, Florida 32801
407-423-3567
BCF3@aol.com