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WASHINGTON: Bishop Chane Condemns Ordination at Pittsburgh Conference
November 14, 2005
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus;
As you may know, on November 12th at a conference sponsored by the Anglican Communion Network, the bishop of Bolivia ordained three deacons and a priest to work under his authority in the United States. One of the deacons was assigned to begin a church in northeast Washington, D. C.
These ordinations clearly violate the recommendation of the Windsor Report and the admonition of the Primates meeting earlier this year in Dromantine, Northern Ireland against cross-jurisdictional actions. More importantly, they violate the ancient Catholic tradition regarding the integrity and authority of diocesan bishops. These are matters I am pursuing with the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, and of which I shall keep your apprised.
But here, within our diocese, I believe it is essential to keep in mind that we have it within ourselves to respond to provocation with charity, with patience, and with the sure knowledge that previous incursions of this sort have done little to diminish our witness to the Gospel. I am informing the rectors whose parishes might be affected by this new initiative to continue in their ministries as they always have. We have a formidable clergy in the District, as any newcomer will see.
In closing, let me say that we have cause to be disappointed, even frustrated, that the Primate of the Southern Cone, the bishop of Bolivia, and, it would seem, the bishop of Pittsburgh and the network which he moderates have taken this precipitous step. But we d not have cause for alarm.
I ask for your continued prayers and support during these times of discord. You may be assured of mine.
The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane DD
