Bishop vonRosenberg told Bishop Skilton that his sense of call "across the divide" conflicts with his desire to promote clarity and that Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori has concurred.

"The court case in Dorchester County...has emphasized the need for greater clarity. In my judgment is it not in the best interests of anyone on either or both sides of the controversy for ordained people to encourage or promote confusion -- except where it is in the best interests of those who benefit from such confusion," he told Skilton.

"You do not have my permission or that of the Episcopal Church in South Carolina to represent The Episcopal Church or this diocese in any official way."

Bishop Skilton has never been inhibited or deposed by the Presiding Bishop nor has he joined with Bishop Mark Lawrence or the Anglican Church in North America.

In a letter to vonRosenberg, Skilton expressed surprise at receiving the letter, "I find it difficult to understand the source and real reason for such communication. I have neither Confirmed nor Ordained in any church in South Carolina, nor have I represented the Episcopal Church in any official capacity."

Skilton said he would abide by the bishop's direction, but indicated he was still a bishop in good standing as Bishop Assistant of the Dominican Episcopal Church (resigned) and Bishop Suffragan of South Carolina (resigned). "This speaks of person and identity...something I claim with great pride and thanksgiving.

"When I made my presentation to the House of Bishops, I stated that my calling was to proclaim the Gospel and celebrate Eucharist across the great divide...realizing that there were risks involved, I would continue being what I have always been; a missionary."

An Episcopal priest in the Diocese in South Carolina described the actions of vonRosenberg, as a lot of high toned rhetoric concealing the fist of intimidation behind polite language.

Bishop Skilton has had a long 44-year history in the Diocese of South Carolina (15 years in the Dominican Republic) working mainly under the ecclesiastical authority of Bishop Edward Salmon. When the split occurred in the Diocese of South Carolina from the Episcopal Church, he resolved, he wrote, to deal with it "in a more creative manner". The deep chasm that developed between friends, neighbors and families called forth his need to minister as a "bridge builder." 2016 marks my 50th year in the priesthood, he wrote in an open letter to the faithful Anglicans/Episcopalians in lower South Carolina.

Skilton opined that this inhibition has ended what he called a "difficult ministry of reconciliation to a part of the body of the Church that is deeply wounded."

He gave no indication that he would join the Diocese of South Carolina under Bishop Mark Lawrence. Lawrence was not available for comment.

The rejection of Bishop Skilton by vonRosenberg and Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori underscores the phony talk of reconciliation much bally-hoed by Episcopal Church bishops, and reinforces the image observed by Global South Primates that The Episcopal Church is engaged in a scorched earth policy with its orthodox wing.

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