You are here
VIRGINIA: Bishop Lee ratchets up heat on parishes who would flee his jurisdiction
A statement from the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Unity through Diversity
With voting in several congregations commencing today on the question of separation from the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and alignment with Archbishop Akinola of the Church of Nigeria, I remain concerned for all involved in this most delicate matter. Most especially, I am concerned for those within these congregations whose will is not to leave the Episcopal Church, who will remain Episcopalian and who, with the care and nurturing of all the faithful in the Diocese of Virginia, will form the core of the Episcopal Church in these places as we move forward.
I pray that all those who have voted or will vote, do so with consideration, contemplation and prayer-filled reflection not only for the impact their decision might have today but also for the saints of the Church who have preceded us and for those who will follow in service to the Lord.
Jesus said, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) Christianity, at its best, has always brought different people together in Christ. For centuries The Episcopal Church has held to the historic Anglican heritage of maintaining unity within diversity. That heritage is a holy gift of God which continues today and which we, as stewards, must preserve and defend in our time for the generations to come. My fervent hope is that the result of these votes will maintain the unity through diversity that allows us to embrace our differences and celebrate our common obligations of respect and love for one another and most of all our obedience to Christ.
In the spirit of openness and inclusion that are the hallmarks of The Episcopal Church, my fervent prayers this day embrace all who will bear the weight and consequences of these decisions.
*****
Patrick N. Getlein
Secretary of the Diocese
110 W Franklin St .
Richmond VA 23220
1-800-DIOCESE x30
www.thediocese.net
