Under date of November 30, 2003, I have received a letter from Gregory K.
Hotchkiss in which he officially vacates his episcopal office and renounces his
ministerial orders in the Reformed Episcopal Church. In his correspondence he
cites changes in his "moral and theological understanding" which have resulted
in a "growing distance" between himself and the Reformed Episcopal Church. In
particular he makes reference to the official statements issued by the bishops
of the Reformed Episcopal Church in response to the 2003 General Convention
of the Episcopal Church and in response to their consecration of a practicing
homosexual to the episcopate. He affirms his disagreement with our church's
stated position, and states that he can "no longer continue in good conscience as
an ordained clergyman in this denomination."

Accordingly, in conformity with Canon 31, Section 1 (d) of the Canons of the
Reformed Episcopal Church, I have accepted his voluntary renunciation of all
gifts, authorities, prerogatives and duties which were conferred upon him at
the time of his ordination and consecration. As a consequence, he is no longer a
minister of the Gospel, or a bishop in the church of God. I commend him and
his family to your intercessory prayers.

May God enable us to see beyond the distress and disappointment of these
events to the good purpose for which He has called us to Himself in Christ Jesus,
and which He is working out among us from day to day. And may we dedicate
ourselves anew to the unchanging truth of His eternal Word, to the imperative of
uncompromising Gospel witness, and to the privilege of working together to
build this portion of His Kingdom as that opportunity has been entrusted to us in
this promising day and time.

Faithfully yours, in Christ,

(The Most Rev.) Leonard W. Riches
Presiding Bishop