It was subsequently ​passed on to Fairfax Media by sources concerned about the influence of the conservative Sydney diocese on the church. The document was issued by the senior Sydney Bishop Michael Stead, the chairman of the Archbishop's Plebiscite taskforce on gay marriage, who described ​same-sex marriage as "a long way from the good picture of marriage given to us by Jesus and the Bible."​

Zavala said that many who speak about mission have not planted a church in twenty years. We ask "What are your 'touch-points' with society?" If you have none, then your church is isolated. A church's budget will show us its heart. The budget speaks aloud. A budget that is always the same is a maintenance budget. There is nothing new. If a church of 300 people has not planted a new church, that church is in maintenance mode.

We hold that the election is out of order insofar as its slate included a candidate whose lifestyle is contrary to the teaching of the historic and universal church on chastity and marriage, and contrary to the present doctrine and discipline of the Anglican Church of Canada. According to the Constitution and Canons governing episcopal elections this candidate is, therefore, not duly qualified for the office of bishop and the election as a whole was irregular.

Accordingly, I am writing to assure you again of our sadness at these developments and the challenge they present to ordinary Anglicans -- both clergy and laity -- in living out the gospel and making disciples as Anglicans.

We pray much for you and feel that perhaps we understand something of how difficult it is for you now because of what we ourselves went through just a few years ago.

Beyond praying, we are willing and eager to stand with you in any way we can.