With the approval of the Bishop and the knowledge of the President of Standing Committee, the deans have called upon the national Episcopal Church's office of Pastoral Development for assistance. The Right Reverend F. Clayton Matthews has agreed to lead us through a process of mediation, beginning with a gathering of the diocesan leadership later this month. He is Bishop Griswold's chosen counselor for such situations; we need to give him time to assess and design our continuing conversations.

We know this is a difficult time, but also one of opportunity. Therefore, the Council of Deans encourages each member of the clergy to pray, not only to assure ourselves that God is present in our time, but to root and ground ourselves in the power of Christ to shape our words and actions, our present and future. We call upon you to continue to be good pastors and stewards of the manifold grace of God. Continue to proclaim the Gospel, study the Holy Scriptures, teach and shepherd your congregations, serve the world in Christ's name, make Eucharist, and be thankful. We will hold you in our prayers and will keep you informed.

Faithfully,

Ruth Lawson Kirk,
Dean of Montgomery on behalf of the Council of Deans