We are deeply saddened at the election of a presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church who consented to the consecration of Gene Robinson in 2003, who supported the blessing of same sex unions in the Diocese of Nevada, and who, in her first sermon following the election, spoke of "Jesus, our mother." We believe her actions as a diocesan bishop call into question her ability to lead The Episcopal Church in the process of healing and restoration clearly outlined in The Windsor Report.

We renounce the unwillingness of the 75th General Convention fully to embrace the requests made of The Episcopal Church in The Windsor Report, most notably its failure to agree to a moratorium on the blessing of same-sex unions.

We disassociate this diocese from Resolution A-095 which opposes "any state or federal constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex civil marriage or civil unions." This resolution gives, in effect, the endorsement of the Church on same-sex civil marriage.

We solemnly remind the clergy of this diocese of our diocesan canons which prohibit the blessing of same-sex relationships and require the clergy of this diocese to model the received teachings of the church with respect to sexuality. We stand ready to enforce them.

The serious consequences of the actions, inactions and errors of the 74th and 75th General Conventions have resulted in a constitutional crisis within The Episcopal Church with respect to its stated status as "Constituent Member of the Anglican Communion". The Episcopal Church has signaled to the faithful within the Episcopal Church a desire to "walk apart" from not only the Anglican Communion but also the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ to which this Diocese has acknowledged its allegiance to be due. We declare that we are a diocese in protest over these errors and the leaders who support them.

It is our firm intent to remain a diocese with constituent member status in the Anglican Communion. Our membership in the Anglican Communion Network has offered us much solace, knowing that we are in communion with the entire Anglican Communion. Now, in the past week, at least four of these dioceses have done what we believe we must also do. We hereby appeal to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the panel of reference, and the Primates of the Anglican Communion for immediate alternative primatial oversight. We understand that none of our actions violate the canons of the Episcopal Church.

The Constitution of our diocese makes it clear that our ultimate loyalty is to the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church of Christ. In preparation for our Convention on January 27, 2007, we will study the constitutional crisis in which we find ourselves and consider the various constitutional, canonical, financial, and spiritual options available.

We realize that this letter will not be met with joy by all of the members of this diocese. To those who dissent, we pledge to you the ongoing faithful and loving ministry of this diocese. Jesus Christ is Lord of His Church. He holds us each in his loving arms. He is the Alpha and the Omega, and therefore knows the end of the story. To Him be the glory.

(Passed unanimously [with one abstention] by the Diocesan Board; Passed unanimously by the Standing Committee)

The Bishop, Standing Committee
and Diocesan Board of Central Florida

*****

Central Florida 'mainstream' group opposes standing committee action

[Source: Episcopal Voices, Orlando] A group of mainstream Episcopalians will meet in July to address the Central Florida diocesan Standing Committee's late-June decision to seek alternative oversight from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Standing Committee took action citing disagreement with 2003 and 2006 actions of the Episcopal Church's General Convention. The Standing Committee's "open letter" is online at http://www.cfdiocese.org.

Episcopal Voices of Central Florida, a group of lay people and clergy from all regions of the diocese, which extends to both state coasts, will meet at 10 a.m. on July 29 at St. Richard's Episcopal Church in Winter Park to discuss the standing committee's action and to plan a course for the future.

Although group members are of differing opinions about sexuality issues now creating a rift within the church, they are dedicated to remaining in full support and union with the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, according to Donna Bott, Episcopal Voices moderator.

"We are extremely unhappy about the diocese's hasty decision which indicates an impending break with the Episcopal Church," said Bott. "A handful of people and the bishop have made a knee-jerk decision without thoughtfully consulting the membership of this diocese and seeking a wide consensus. Many people oppose breaking with the Episcopal Church, but our voices have not been considered in this action.

"Further, this action preempts the hope for reconciliation and healing as expressed by the Archbishop of Canterbury's recent statement as well as the Windsor Report," Bott said. "The diocese in no way speaks for me or for members of Episcopal Voices on this matter."

For the last four years, Episcopal Voices has worked to foster unity in the diocese, holding services and meetings to help people find common ground, Bott said.

"There is room in the church for people of all opinions to worship together," said Bott. "We oppose any attempts to further alienate the people of this diocese and to take our local churches, property and congregations from the Episcopal Church."

Bott noted that Episcopalians have weathered other controversies, staying unified in faith as revealed in scripture, tradition and reason.

"The current situation is polarizing the church and diverting attention from important mission and social issues that are confronting the church and people who live in our area," said Bott, who lives in The Villages.

Information about Episcopal Voices is online at http://www.episcopalvoicescf.org.

Similar organizations, some named "Via Media," are active in most of some 10 dioceses whose elected leadership has acted in opposition to 2003 and 2006 General Convention decisions.