Thursday, July 16, 2009
Anaheim Statement, General Convention, 2009
At this convention, the House of Bishops has heard repeated calls for honesty and clarity. As the conversation has proceeded within the House of Bishops, repeated attempts to modify wording which would have been preferable to the minority in the vote were respectfully heard and discussed, but in the end most of these amendments were found unacceptable to the majority in the House. Many in the majority believed the amendments would make the stated position of this House less honest about where they believe we are as The Episcopal Church.
It is apparent that a substantial majority of this Convention believes that The Episcopal Church should move forward on matters of human sexuality. We recognize this reality and understand the clarity with which the majority has expressed itself. We are grateful for those who have reached out to the minority, affirming our place in the Church.
We seek to provide the same honesty and clarity. We invite all bishops who share the following commitments to join us in this statement as we seek to find a place in the Church we continue to serve.
• We reaffirm our constituent membership in the Anglican Communion, our communion with the See of Canterbury, and our commitment to preserving these relationships.
• We reaffirm our commitment to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received them (BCP 526, 538).
• We reaffirm our commitment to the three moratoria requested of us by the Instruments of Communion.
• We reaffirm our commitment to the Anglican Communion Covenant process currently underway, with the hope of working toward its implementation across the Communion once a Covenant is completed.
• We reaffirm our commitment to “continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship” which is foundational to our baptismal covenant, and to be one with the apostles in “interpreting the Gospel” which is essential to our work as bishops of the Church of God.
The Rt. Rev’d James Adams, Western Kansas
The Rt. Rev’d Lloyd Allen, Honduras
The Rt. Rev’d David Alvarez, Puerto Rico
The Rt. Rev’d John Bauerschmidt, Tennessee
The Rt. Rev’d Peter Beckwith, Springfield
The Rt. Rev’d Frank Brookhart, Montana
The Rt. Rev’d Andrew Doyle, Texas
The Rt. Rev’d Philip Duncan, Central Gulf Coast
The Rt. Rev’d Dan Edwards, Nevada
The Rt. Rev’d William Frey, Rio Grande
The Rt. Rev’d Dena Harrison, Texas
The Rt. Rev’d Dorsey Henderson, Upper South Carolina
The Rt. Rev’d Julio Holguin, Dominican Republic
The Rt. Rev’d John Howe, Central Florida
The Rt. Rev’d Russell Jacobus, Fond du Lac
The Rt. Rev’d Charles Jenkins, Louisiana
The Rt. Rev’d Don Johnson, West Tennessee
The Rt. Rev’d Paul Lambert, Dallas
The Rt. Rev’d Mark Lawrence, South Carolina
The Rt. Rev’d Gary Lillibridge, West Texas
The Rt. Rev’d Edward Little, Northern Indiana
The Rt. Rev’d William Love, Albany
The Rt. Rev’d Bruce MacPherson, Western Louisiana
The Rt. Rev’d Alfredo Morante, Litoral Ecuador
The Rt. Rev’d Henry Parsley, Alabama
The Rt. Rev’d David Reed, West Texas
The Rt. Rev’d Sylvestre Romero, El Camino Real
The Rt. Rev’d Jeffrey Rowthorn, Europe
The Rt. Rev’d William Skilton, Dominican Republic
The Rt. Rev’d John Sloan, Alabama
The Rt. Rev’d Dabney Smith, Southwest Florida
The Rt. Rev’d Michael Smith, North Dakota
The Rt. Rev’d James Stanton, Dallas
The Rt. Rev’d Pierre Whalon, Europe
The Rt. Rev’d, Don Wimberly, Texas
Friday, August 7, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Transitioning Towards Two-Track Anglicanism:
The Bishop of North Dakota’s Reflections on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Reflections on the Episcopal Church's 2009 General Convention
The General Convention of The Episcopal Church and the Archbishop of Canterbury are moving in different directions. How’s that for the understatement of the year?
Case in point: General Convention 2009 Resolution D025 which can be found at http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=986&type=Final states that some “same-sex couples living in lifelong committed relationships” include individuals who have been called by God in the past and may be called by God in the future “to any ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church.”
In contrast, Archbishop Rowan Williams, in his recently released reflections on General Convention 2009, “Communion, Covenant and our Anglican Future” which can be found at http://anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2009/7/28/ACNS4641 states:
[A] blessing for a same-sex union cannot have the authority of the Church Catholic, or even of the Communion as a whole. And if this is the case, a person living in such a union is in the same case as a heterosexual person living in a sexual relationship outside the marriage bond; whatever the human respect and pastoral sensitivity such persons must be given, their chosen lifestyle is not one that the Church's teaching sanctions, and thus it is hard to see how they can act in the necessarily representative role that the ordained ministry, especially the episcopate, requires (§ 8).
This all sounds familiar. In fact the Archbishop of Canterbury’s 2009 reflection reminds me a great deal of his 2006 reflection: The Challenge and Hope of Being an Anglican Today. In the 2006 essay many of the same themes are sounded, including the possibility of a two-track ecclesial arrangement of “constituent” and “associated” churches in Anglicanism.
Indeed the Anglican Communion Covenant process appears to be headed towards an outcome where some churches will be “constituent” members of an interdependent communion of churches and others will become “associate” members of an independent federation of churches. In this way, in the Archbishop’s words, “both 'tracks' should be able to pursue what they believe God is calling them to be as Church, with greater integrity and consistency” (§ 24).
Where does this leave those of us who have been resolute in our commitment to remain both as dioceses, clergy and people of The Episcopal Chuch, and covenanted members of the global Anglican Communion as well? This includes, but is not limited to, those identified as “Communion Partners.”
The Constitution & Canons of The Episcopal Church are clear. In the Preamble, we claim for ourselves constituent membership in the “Anglican Communion, a Fellowship within the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, of those duly constituted Dioceses, Provinces, and regional Churches in communion with the See of Canterbury…” (emphasis added). What happens if we are no longer in communion with the See of Canterbury? By our own definition we would cease to be part of the Anglican Communion.
It has become clear to me in discussions with Episcopalians inside and outside the Diocese that not everyone has the same appreciation or understanding of the importance of remaining “in communion with the See of Canterbury.” (A woman at coffee hour one Sunday remarked: “We always thought Anglicans were nice people, but we never thought of ourselves as Anglicans.”) I, on the other hand, have always used the terms “Episcopal” and “Anglican” synonymously. In fact, I was able to join The Episcopal Church precisely because it is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, thereby demonstrating its catholicity as a church of the redeemed “from every family, language, people, and nation…” (Revelation 5:9), and not existing in isolation as a small protestant denomination in the United States. This precious fellowship with the Archbishop of Canterbury and, through him and the bishops in fellowship with him, with millions of saints around the globe is essential to my understanding of what it means to be part of the Church catholic. It is this gift of “communion” that the Anglican Communion Covenant seeks to preserve and foster.
My recent experiences at Anaheim, however, do not leave me hopeful that General Convention 2012 will be a Covenant-friendly gathering. Depending on the wording of the final draft of the Anglican Communion Covenant which is scheduled to be released later this year, it might be the case that the House of Bishops would adopt the Anglican Covenant. However, I predict the concurrence of the House of Deputies to be highly unlikely given the high value the American spirit places on independence in global matters, whether civil or ecclesiastical. Therefore, the Covenant would not be adopted for the entire national church.
But Resolution D025 also acknowledges that “members of The Episcopal Church as of the Anglican Communion, based on careful study of the Holy Scriptures, and in light of tradition and reason, are not of one mind, and Christians of good conscience disagree about some of these matters” (emphasis added). Let’s work with this. I wonder if there is a way forward that honors the consciences of all, one that would allow some in The Episcopal Church to travel on the track of a covenanted, interdependent Communion and others the opportunity to seek to serve God on a more federated, independent track.
For example, the use of the word “church” is imprecise in the Ridley Cambridge draft of the Anglican Communion Covenant which can be found at http://anglicancommunion.org/commission/covenant/ridley_cambridge/intro_text.cfm. (Please remember that Sections 1-3 have already been approved by the Anglican Consultative Council for adoption by churches. Only Section 4 has been held back for further work.) When the Covenant states “Each Church affirms” or “Each Church commits itself,” the meaning of “church” is unclear. Is the Covenant referring to “church” as a province or a diocese or a congregation? What is to prevent a diocese or congregation from adopting the Covenant and thereby remaining a constituent member of Anglicanism in communion with the See of Canterbury? It might look something like this:
A diocesan convention could adopt the Covenant. That diocese’s bishop would then be recognized by the Archbishop of Canterbury as “in communion” with him.
A congregation in a non-Covenant diocese could adopt the Covenant and request of the diocesan bishop an “Episcopal Visitor” from among those bishops recognized by the Archbishop as being “in communion” with the See of Canterbury.
An individual in a non-Covenant congregation in a non-Covenant diocese could simply have his or her “letter” moved to or baptism recorded in a Covenanted-congregation.
Or, perhaps the Communion Partners initiative could become a “Mission Society” or a “Christian Community” as described in Canon III.14.2(a) as “a society of Christians (in Communion with the See of Canterbury)…”
Admittedly, in order for such scenarios to succeed would require the good will and even encouragement from the “federated” majority towards the “covenanted” minority in The Episcopal Church. However, failure to pursue such opportunities will most certainly result in more individuals, congregations and dioceses leaving The Episcopal Church. There are a number of Episcopalians, myself included, for whom the desire and intent to “Remain Anglican” is foundational to our understanding of what it means to be “Episcopalian.”
The Rt. Rev. Michael G. Smith
Episcopal Bishop of North Dakota
August 2, 2009
The General Convention of The Episcopal Church and the Archbishop of Canterbury are moving in different directions. How’s that for the understatement of the year?
Case in point: General Convention 2009 Resolution D025 which can be found at http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=986&type=Final states that some “same-sex couples living in lifelong committed relationships” include individuals who have been called by God in the past and may be called by God in the future “to any ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church.”
In contrast, Archbishop Rowan Williams, in his recently released reflections on General Convention 2009, “Communion, Covenant and our Anglican Future” which can be found at http://anglicancommunion.org/acns/news.cfm/2009/7/28/ACNS4641 states:
[A] blessing for a same-sex union cannot have the authority of the Church Catholic, or even of the Communion as a whole. And if this is the case, a person living in such a union is in the same case as a heterosexual person living in a sexual relationship outside the marriage bond; whatever the human respect and pastoral sensitivity such persons must be given, their chosen lifestyle is not one that the Church's teaching sanctions, and thus it is hard to see how they can act in the necessarily representative role that the ordained ministry, especially the episcopate, requires (§ 8).
This all sounds familiar. In fact the Archbishop of Canterbury’s 2009 reflection reminds me a great deal of his 2006 reflection: The Challenge and Hope of Being an Anglican Today. In the 2006 essay many of the same themes are sounded, including the possibility of a two-track ecclesial arrangement of “constituent” and “associated” churches in Anglicanism.
Indeed the Anglican Communion Covenant process appears to be headed towards an outcome where some churches will be “constituent” members of an interdependent communion of churches and others will become “associate” members of an independent federation of churches. In this way, in the Archbishop’s words, “both 'tracks' should be able to pursue what they believe God is calling them to be as Church, with greater integrity and consistency” (§ 24).
Where does this leave those of us who have been resolute in our commitment to remain both as dioceses, clergy and people of The Episcopal Chuch, and covenanted members of the global Anglican Communion as well? This includes, but is not limited to, those identified as “Communion Partners.”
The Constitution & Canons of The Episcopal Church are clear. In the Preamble, we claim for ourselves constituent membership in the “Anglican Communion, a Fellowship within the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, of those duly constituted Dioceses, Provinces, and regional Churches in communion with the See of Canterbury…” (emphasis added). What happens if we are no longer in communion with the See of Canterbury? By our own definition we would cease to be part of the Anglican Communion.
It has become clear to me in discussions with Episcopalians inside and outside the Diocese that not everyone has the same appreciation or understanding of the importance of remaining “in communion with the See of Canterbury.” (A woman at coffee hour one Sunday remarked: “We always thought Anglicans were nice people, but we never thought of ourselves as Anglicans.”) I, on the other hand, have always used the terms “Episcopal” and “Anglican” synonymously. In fact, I was able to join The Episcopal Church precisely because it is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, thereby demonstrating its catholicity as a church of the redeemed “from every family, language, people, and nation…” (Revelation 5:9), and not existing in isolation as a small protestant denomination in the United States. This precious fellowship with the Archbishop of Canterbury and, through him and the bishops in fellowship with him, with millions of saints around the globe is essential to my understanding of what it means to be part of the Church catholic. It is this gift of “communion” that the Anglican Communion Covenant seeks to preserve and foster.
My recent experiences at Anaheim, however, do not leave me hopeful that General Convention 2012 will be a Covenant-friendly gathering. Depending on the wording of the final draft of the Anglican Communion Covenant which is scheduled to be released later this year, it might be the case that the House of Bishops would adopt the Anglican Covenant. However, I predict the concurrence of the House of Deputies to be highly unlikely given the high value the American spirit places on independence in global matters, whether civil or ecclesiastical. Therefore, the Covenant would not be adopted for the entire national church.
But Resolution D025 also acknowledges that “members of The Episcopal Church as of the Anglican Communion, based on careful study of the Holy Scriptures, and in light of tradition and reason, are not of one mind, and Christians of good conscience disagree about some of these matters” (emphasis added). Let’s work with this. I wonder if there is a way forward that honors the consciences of all, one that would allow some in The Episcopal Church to travel on the track of a covenanted, interdependent Communion and others the opportunity to seek to serve God on a more federated, independent track.
For example, the use of the word “church” is imprecise in the Ridley Cambridge draft of the Anglican Communion Covenant which can be found at http://anglicancommunion.org/commission/covenant/ridley_cambridge/intro_text.cfm. (Please remember that Sections 1-3 have already been approved by the Anglican Consultative Council for adoption by churches. Only Section 4 has been held back for further work.) When the Covenant states “Each Church affirms” or “Each Church commits itself,” the meaning of “church” is unclear. Is the Covenant referring to “church” as a province or a diocese or a congregation? What is to prevent a diocese or congregation from adopting the Covenant and thereby remaining a constituent member of Anglicanism in communion with the See of Canterbury? It might look something like this:
A diocesan convention could adopt the Covenant. That diocese’s bishop would then be recognized by the Archbishop of Canterbury as “in communion” with him.
A congregation in a non-Covenant diocese could adopt the Covenant and request of the diocesan bishop an “Episcopal Visitor” from among those bishops recognized by the Archbishop as being “in communion” with the See of Canterbury.
An individual in a non-Covenant congregation in a non-Covenant diocese could simply have his or her “letter” moved to or baptism recorded in a Covenanted-congregation.
Or, perhaps the Communion Partners initiative could become a “Mission Society” or a “Christian Community” as described in Canon III.14.2(a) as “a society of Christians (in Communion with the See of Canterbury)…”
Admittedly, in order for such scenarios to succeed would require the good will and even encouragement from the “federated” majority towards the “covenanted” minority in The Episcopal Church. However, failure to pursue such opportunities will most certainly result in more individuals, congregations and dioceses leaving The Episcopal Church. There are a number of Episcopalians, myself included, for whom the desire and intent to “Remain Anglican” is foundational to our understanding of what it means to be “Episcopalian.”
The Rt. Rev. Michael G. Smith
Episcopal Bishop of North Dakota
August 2, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Sheaf Letter July - August 2009
July 22, 2009
Dear Friends:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
The 76th General Convention has come and gone. The four clerical and four lay deputies, Liz Overbo who was part of the official Youth Presence, and I have much to unpack, both literally and figuratively, on our return to North Dakota from Anaheim, California.
The Presiding Bishop began this year’s General Convention with challenging words about crisis: “The word crisis has its origins in the Greek krinein, meaning to judge, separate, or distinguish. A crisis is time for decision-making, and a response cannot be avoided….General Convention is always a time of critical decision-making….Underlying all of [the] debates will be the reality that we do not have the same kind of financial resources to address them that we had three years ago…” As it turned out, the budget, along with the continuing controversies about how to appropriately minister to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender persons were the top stories of the eleven day event.
The budget for the national church was reduced by 14%. The Convention made, in my opinion, noble decisions to cut structure (about 30 of 180 staff positions were eliminated at the Episcopal Church Center) and to fund service to the poor, both at home and abroad (0.7 percent of income is still dedicated to the U.N. Millennium Development Goals and a corresponding percentage for domestic-poverty initiatives). The Presiding Bishop expects that mission work will continue or begin to take place at diocesan or congregational levels, rather than nationally.
The grant to the Diocese of North Dakota for ministry with Native Americans was held at the same level as last triennium. For this we are most grateful. We will be facing our own crisis in the Diocese of North Dakota, however, as we build a budget for 2010 that must also include cuts due to reduced financial resources.
Turning now to the other attention getters, Resolution D025 can be found at http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=986&type=Final. It concerns partnered lesbians and gays in committed relationships and ordained ministry. It passed soundly in both houses. I voted no; our clergy deputies voted no (1-3); our lay deputies voted no (1-3).
Resolution C056 can be found at http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=898&type=Final. It concerns blessing of same sex unions and gay marriage. It also passed convincingly in both houses. I voted no; our clergy deputies voted no (1-3); our lay deputies voted yes (3-1).
There is disagreement about whether or not these two resolutions are negative responses to two of the three moratoria requested by the Instruments of Communion (a moratorium on bishops in committed same sex relationships and a moratorium on the authorization of public rites for blessing of same sex unions). I invite you to read them and make your own call. In my judgment, however, they were clearly repudiations of the requested moratoria. Therefore, I signed a minority report with now 34 other bishops called the “Anaheim Statement.” It can be found at http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2009/7/17/dissenting-bishops-issue-anaheim-statement.
Thank you for your prayers. We will clearly need more of them as we discern our paths in the future. One thing commonly understood at this past General Convention is that “business as usual” is far from the order of the day in our dioceses, in the national church or in the global communion. After my Anaheim experience, I have entered a time of seeking God’s will and direction for myself personally and for the Diocese of North Dakota. What is God calling us to do given the reality of our local circumstances? Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Yours in Christ,
+Michael
Dear Friends:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
The 76th General Convention has come and gone. The four clerical and four lay deputies, Liz Overbo who was part of the official Youth Presence, and I have much to unpack, both literally and figuratively, on our return to North Dakota from Anaheim, California.
The Presiding Bishop began this year’s General Convention with challenging words about crisis: “The word crisis has its origins in the Greek krinein, meaning to judge, separate, or distinguish. A crisis is time for decision-making, and a response cannot be avoided….General Convention is always a time of critical decision-making….Underlying all of [the] debates will be the reality that we do not have the same kind of financial resources to address them that we had three years ago…” As it turned out, the budget, along with the continuing controversies about how to appropriately minister to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender persons were the top stories of the eleven day event.
The budget for the national church was reduced by 14%. The Convention made, in my opinion, noble decisions to cut structure (about 30 of 180 staff positions were eliminated at the Episcopal Church Center) and to fund service to the poor, both at home and abroad (0.7 percent of income is still dedicated to the U.N. Millennium Development Goals and a corresponding percentage for domestic-poverty initiatives). The Presiding Bishop expects that mission work will continue or begin to take place at diocesan or congregational levels, rather than nationally.
The grant to the Diocese of North Dakota for ministry with Native Americans was held at the same level as last triennium. For this we are most grateful. We will be facing our own crisis in the Diocese of North Dakota, however, as we build a budget for 2010 that must also include cuts due to reduced financial resources.
Turning now to the other attention getters, Resolution D025 can be found at http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=986&type=Final. It concerns partnered lesbians and gays in committed relationships and ordained ministry. It passed soundly in both houses. I voted no; our clergy deputies voted no (1-3); our lay deputies voted no (1-3).
Resolution C056 can be found at http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=898&type=Final. It concerns blessing of same sex unions and gay marriage. It also passed convincingly in both houses. I voted no; our clergy deputies voted no (1-3); our lay deputies voted yes (3-1).
There is disagreement about whether or not these two resolutions are negative responses to two of the three moratoria requested by the Instruments of Communion (a moratorium on bishops in committed same sex relationships and a moratorium on the authorization of public rites for blessing of same sex unions). I invite you to read them and make your own call. In my judgment, however, they were clearly repudiations of the requested moratoria. Therefore, I signed a minority report with now 34 other bishops called the “Anaheim Statement.” It can be found at http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2009/7/17/dissenting-bishops-issue-anaheim-statement.
Thank you for your prayers. We will clearly need more of them as we discern our paths in the future. One thing commonly understood at this past General Convention is that “business as usual” is far from the order of the day in our dioceses, in the national church or in the global communion. After my Anaheim experience, I have entered a time of seeking God’s will and direction for myself personally and for the Diocese of North Dakota. What is God calling us to do given the reality of our local circumstances? Come, Holy Spirit, come.
Yours in Christ,
+Michael
Sheaf Letter March - April 2009
April 27, 2009
Dear Friends:
Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Flood Recovery
What a springtime it has been for many of us in the Diocese of North Dakota! Sandbagging, building dikes, moving furniture, evacuating, pumping water from basements, feeding hungry volunteers, offering shelter and hospitality, road closures and detours, cancellations … and now it is time to clean up.
We have been in contact with Episcopal Relief & Development. The Rev. Pat Genereux, coordinator of the Office of Disaster Recovery of the Diocese of Iowa, is planning a visit the first week of May to conduct a tour and to help organize our recovery efforts. I have asked Canon John Floberg to work with Father Genereux in organizing and publicizing a diocesan meeting to be held at Grace Church, Jamestown on Thursday, May 7 at 3:00 p.m. Jamestown seems to be the geographic center of those areas affected by the floods. More details will be forthcoming.
Anglican Covenant
The third draft of an Anglican Communion Covenant has been released. It can be found at http://www.aco.org/commission/covenant/docs/ridley_cambridge_draft_090402.pdf. . I encourage all our diocesan convention delegates to read it. This draft will be submitted to the Anglican Consultative Council in May. They may revise it themselves or send it back to the Design Group for revision or commend it to the churches of the Anglican Communion for adoption. Stay tuned.
Diocesan Council
At the Diocesan Council meeting last month I shared the proposal I mentioned in the last issue of the Sheaf of the possibility of a future ¼ time bishop ¾ time rector or canon missioner. The general consensus was that a ¾ time rector would give one congregation too much of the bishop’s attention. There was, however, an openness to explore further the possibility of a bishop/canon missioner position.
After a discussion of the seriousness of the economic downturn and its immediate effect on the 2010 diocesan budget, I asked the Council’s advice on the number of deputies to be sent to General Convention in the future. The Council decided to direct the Finance Committee to budget for 2 lay deputies, 2 clergy deputies and 1 bishop for the General Convention to be held in 2012.
Communion Partners Fellowship
As you may know, I am associated with a group of bishops and rectors in the Episcopal Church known as the “Communion Partners.” We are an outgrowth of the Presiding Bishop’s episcopal visitor initiative and endorsed by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Lambeth Conference. We stand in a unique place in the Episcopal Church and Anglicanism. We stand resolutely in the middle place of reconciliation, refusing to leave either the Episcopal Church or the worldwide Anglican Communion. As a consequence, we take hits both from the right and the left, depending on whose toes we’re stepping at a particular moment.
Last week a document was released entitled Bishops’ Statement on the Polity of the Episcopal Church. It can be accessed at http://www.anglicancommunioninstitute.com/?p=391. I am listed as one of the signatories and I encourage you to read it for yourself rather than relying on what bloggers are writing about it.
No, we have not declared our independence from the General Convention. All of us reaffirmed our vows to “conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Episcopal Church” in the context of the statement. We are, however, asserting an historical and constitutional right for dioceses which might choose to do so to remain a constituent part of the Anglican Communion if the General Convention rejects an Anglican Covenant. This is consonant with our goal to remain both a part of the Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Easter Blessings
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which well-pleasing in his sight. I am,
Yours in Christ,
+Michael
Dear Friends:
Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Flood Recovery
What a springtime it has been for many of us in the Diocese of North Dakota! Sandbagging, building dikes, moving furniture, evacuating, pumping water from basements, feeding hungry volunteers, offering shelter and hospitality, road closures and detours, cancellations … and now it is time to clean up.
We have been in contact with Episcopal Relief & Development. The Rev. Pat Genereux, coordinator of the Office of Disaster Recovery of the Diocese of Iowa, is planning a visit the first week of May to conduct a tour and to help organize our recovery efforts. I have asked Canon John Floberg to work with Father Genereux in organizing and publicizing a diocesan meeting to be held at Grace Church, Jamestown on Thursday, May 7 at 3:00 p.m. Jamestown seems to be the geographic center of those areas affected by the floods. More details will be forthcoming.
Anglican Covenant
The third draft of an Anglican Communion Covenant has been released. It can be found at http://www.aco.org/commission/covenant/docs/ridley_cambridge_draft_090402.pdf. . I encourage all our diocesan convention delegates to read it. This draft will be submitted to the Anglican Consultative Council in May. They may revise it themselves or send it back to the Design Group for revision or commend it to the churches of the Anglican Communion for adoption. Stay tuned.
Diocesan Council
At the Diocesan Council meeting last month I shared the proposal I mentioned in the last issue of the Sheaf of the possibility of a future ¼ time bishop ¾ time rector or canon missioner. The general consensus was that a ¾ time rector would give one congregation too much of the bishop’s attention. There was, however, an openness to explore further the possibility of a bishop/canon missioner position.
After a discussion of the seriousness of the economic downturn and its immediate effect on the 2010 diocesan budget, I asked the Council’s advice on the number of deputies to be sent to General Convention in the future. The Council decided to direct the Finance Committee to budget for 2 lay deputies, 2 clergy deputies and 1 bishop for the General Convention to be held in 2012.
Communion Partners Fellowship
As you may know, I am associated with a group of bishops and rectors in the Episcopal Church known as the “Communion Partners.” We are an outgrowth of the Presiding Bishop’s episcopal visitor initiative and endorsed by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Lambeth Conference. We stand in a unique place in the Episcopal Church and Anglicanism. We stand resolutely in the middle place of reconciliation, refusing to leave either the Episcopal Church or the worldwide Anglican Communion. As a consequence, we take hits both from the right and the left, depending on whose toes we’re stepping at a particular moment.
Last week a document was released entitled Bishops’ Statement on the Polity of the Episcopal Church. It can be accessed at http://www.anglicancommunioninstitute.com/?p=391. I am listed as one of the signatories and I encourage you to read it for yourself rather than relying on what bloggers are writing about it.
No, we have not declared our independence from the General Convention. All of us reaffirmed our vows to “conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Episcopal Church” in the context of the statement. We are, however, asserting an historical and constitutional right for dioceses which might choose to do so to remain a constituent part of the Anglican Communion if the General Convention rejects an Anglican Covenant. This is consonant with our goal to remain both a part of the Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Easter Blessings
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which well-pleasing in his sight. I am,
Yours in Christ,
+Michael
Sheaf Letter January - February 2009
February 25, 2009
Dear Friends:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
The economy is on everyone’s mind these days. It takes effort not to become discouraged and even panicked with all the talk of the greatest economic difficulties since the Great Depression. Some perspective is helpful, I think. Even with this current downturn, we in this country are still materially the richest people on the face of the earth and we’re nowhere near the dire straits of our ancestors who survived the Dust Bowl era. Our forebears made it through tougher times and, by God’s grace, we shall as well.
I believe it is important for Christians to remind ourselves of one of the prayers of the Old Testament, familiar to many as one of the offertory sentences of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer: “All things come of thee, O LORD, and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chronicle 29:14). Although our resources may be reduced, we are still called to give from that with which we’ve been entrusted for the Kingdom of God and to trust God to provide for our needs.
I am mindful of the words of Charles Fulton who visited our diocesan convention in 2005. He reminded us that there was joy and peace in learning to “live within our means” for the sake of mission. This economic downturn will also affect the “means” of the diocese, especially in the budget year 2010. Therefore, before we begin our annual budgeting process, I want us to engage in a conversation about how we might continue our re-organization for mission in light of current circumstances.
We are not alone in this quandary. Dioceses across the country are beginning to realize that something needs to change, that business as usual cannot continue. Some, such as Eau Claire and Fond du Lac in Wisconsin, are looking at merging to form one diocese. Others, such as Eastern Oregon, are calling part-time “provisional” bishops. The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is exploring the possibility of dissolving and returning to its “parent” dioceses of Alabama and Florida. In “Total Ministry” style, Northern Michigan recently discerned and elected a bishop from among its own priests to serve as the coordinator of an Episcopal Ministry Support Team. My forays into Louisiana as a quarter-time assisting bishop have been another kind of response.
We set a goal a few years back to reduce the draw on our investment income from 8.5% to 5%, the recommended industry average. Our current budget draws 7.5%. To achieve the goal of 5% would result in a cut in budget income of $82,700. This seems impossible -- unless something drastic or creative were to take place.
Therefore, I want us to begin to discuss the possibility of a bishop who works ¼ time for the diocese and ¾ time as a rector or canon missioner. The savings would be great enough to allow us to reach our goal of reducing investment draw to 5%. I know that we are used to an annual visit from the bishop, but the canons only require the bishop to visit each congregation once every three years. Confirmations could be celebrated on a regional basis.
How to get from here to there I’m not sure, but it is important for us to be on the same page as opportunities present themselves. I intend to begin this discussion formally at the March Diocesan Council meeting. Please share your thoughts on this proposal or alternative ideas with members of the Council.
New Diocesan/Cathedral Office Staff
The new Diocesan/Cathedral Office Staff announced in November is now fully in place. In addition to my Executive Assistant, Fr. Jamie Parsley, and our Finance Officer, Leisha Woltjer, we welcome Brandi Deutch as the new Cathedral Office Manager. Although, for budgeting purposes, the line is clearly drawn between the cathedral Office Manager and the diocesan Finance Manager, it is our intent in practice that these two work together with the Executive Assistant and volunteers as a team to meet the administrative needs of both organizations in an effective manner.
The Dean and I are most grateful to John Baird, Sandy Holbrook, Brett Shewy, Dave Anderson and Beth Lipp who served as our “Task Force on Office Reorganization.” We are hopeful that they will continue to serve as our joint Personnel Committee.
Fourth Deputy Fund Update
At the last Diocesan Convention a decision was made to send either one or both of our fourth deputies to General Convention, “provided funds are procured beyond the diocesan budget.” To enable this I established a “Fourth Deputy Fund” at the diocesan office. Since then, only four individuals and one congregation, St. Thomas of Fort Totten, have made financial and in-kind donations. In addition, expenses for the Anaheim Convention are proving to be higher than expected, resulting in $4,150 shortfall towards the goal of sending both Donna Pettit and Deacon Terry Star. Proceeds from fundraisers and checks may be made payable to the Diocese of North Dakota noting either “Lay Fourth Deputy” or “Clergy Fourth Deputy.” Undesignated contributions will be divided equally.
May the holy season of Lent be a time of refreshment and renewal, leading to a blessed Easter. I am,
Yours in Christ,
+Michael
Dear Friends:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
The economy is on everyone’s mind these days. It takes effort not to become discouraged and even panicked with all the talk of the greatest economic difficulties since the Great Depression. Some perspective is helpful, I think. Even with this current downturn, we in this country are still materially the richest people on the face of the earth and we’re nowhere near the dire straits of our ancestors who survived the Dust Bowl era. Our forebears made it through tougher times and, by God’s grace, we shall as well.
I believe it is important for Christians to remind ourselves of one of the prayers of the Old Testament, familiar to many as one of the offertory sentences of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer: “All things come of thee, O LORD, and of thine own have we given thee” (1 Chronicle 29:14). Although our resources may be reduced, we are still called to give from that with which we’ve been entrusted for the Kingdom of God and to trust God to provide for our needs.
I am mindful of the words of Charles Fulton who visited our diocesan convention in 2005. He reminded us that there was joy and peace in learning to “live within our means” for the sake of mission. This economic downturn will also affect the “means” of the diocese, especially in the budget year 2010. Therefore, before we begin our annual budgeting process, I want us to engage in a conversation about how we might continue our re-organization for mission in light of current circumstances.
We are not alone in this quandary. Dioceses across the country are beginning to realize that something needs to change, that business as usual cannot continue. Some, such as Eau Claire and Fond du Lac in Wisconsin, are looking at merging to form one diocese. Others, such as Eastern Oregon, are calling part-time “provisional” bishops. The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast is exploring the possibility of dissolving and returning to its “parent” dioceses of Alabama and Florida. In “Total Ministry” style, Northern Michigan recently discerned and elected a bishop from among its own priests to serve as the coordinator of an Episcopal Ministry Support Team. My forays into Louisiana as a quarter-time assisting bishop have been another kind of response.
We set a goal a few years back to reduce the draw on our investment income from 8.5% to 5%, the recommended industry average. Our current budget draws 7.5%. To achieve the goal of 5% would result in a cut in budget income of $82,700. This seems impossible -- unless something drastic or creative were to take place.
Therefore, I want us to begin to discuss the possibility of a bishop who works ¼ time for the diocese and ¾ time as a rector or canon missioner. The savings would be great enough to allow us to reach our goal of reducing investment draw to 5%. I know that we are used to an annual visit from the bishop, but the canons only require the bishop to visit each congregation once every three years. Confirmations could be celebrated on a regional basis.
How to get from here to there I’m not sure, but it is important for us to be on the same page as opportunities present themselves. I intend to begin this discussion formally at the March Diocesan Council meeting. Please share your thoughts on this proposal or alternative ideas with members of the Council.
New Diocesan/Cathedral Office Staff
The new Diocesan/Cathedral Office Staff announced in November is now fully in place. In addition to my Executive Assistant, Fr. Jamie Parsley, and our Finance Officer, Leisha Woltjer, we welcome Brandi Deutch as the new Cathedral Office Manager. Although, for budgeting purposes, the line is clearly drawn between the cathedral Office Manager and the diocesan Finance Manager, it is our intent in practice that these two work together with the Executive Assistant and volunteers as a team to meet the administrative needs of both organizations in an effective manner.
The Dean and I are most grateful to John Baird, Sandy Holbrook, Brett Shewy, Dave Anderson and Beth Lipp who served as our “Task Force on Office Reorganization.” We are hopeful that they will continue to serve as our joint Personnel Committee.
Fourth Deputy Fund Update
At the last Diocesan Convention a decision was made to send either one or both of our fourth deputies to General Convention, “provided funds are procured beyond the diocesan budget.” To enable this I established a “Fourth Deputy Fund” at the diocesan office. Since then, only four individuals and one congregation, St. Thomas of Fort Totten, have made financial and in-kind donations. In addition, expenses for the Anaheim Convention are proving to be higher than expected, resulting in $4,150 shortfall towards the goal of sending both Donna Pettit and Deacon Terry Star. Proceeds from fundraisers and checks may be made payable to the Diocese of North Dakota noting either “Lay Fourth Deputy” or “Clergy Fourth Deputy.” Undesignated contributions will be divided equally.
May the holy season of Lent be a time of refreshment and renewal, leading to a blessed Easter. I am,
Yours in Christ,
+Michael
Friday, December 5, 2008
Sheaf Letter November-December 2008
November 29, 2008
Dear Friends:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
End of an era
The new year of 2009 will mark the end of an era for the diocesan office. At the recent Diocesan Convention we said goodbye to Business Manager Bonnie Bernardy and thanked her for 17 years of service. Since then a very difficult decision has been made to eliminate the position of “Secretary to the Bishop” and we now say goodbye to Robin Kjos and thank her for 30 years of service to the Diocese of North Dakota.
Some background: One of the recommendations of the 2006 Task Force on Reorganization for Mission was to “reduce diocesan office staff to 1.0 FTE paid staff member and either contract out services not provided by the paid staff person and/or use volunteers.” The retirement of the Business Manager made this the opportune time to implement this recommendation and the 2009 budget adopted at Convention reflects a reduction in diocesan staffing.
Since last summer, Dean Steve Sellers and I have been exploring ways in which the diocesan and cathedral office staffs might work together more efficiently and effectively. This fall we called upon Diocesan Treasurer John Baird, Diocesan Convention Secretary Sandy Holbrook, Cathedral Treasurer Brett Shewey, Cathedral Senior Warden Dave Anderson and Deacon Beth Lipp to join us as a “Task Force on Office Reorganization.”
After reviewing current position descriptions, consulting personnel professionals and auditors outside our system, this group began drafting new position descriptions including necessary qualifications and appropriate pay scales. During this process it became painfully clear that if the diocesan budget could only support one full-time paid position, it had to be a financial officer. That determination meant the elimination of the position of “Secretary to the Bishop.”
This decision was not made lightly but with the deep sadness of realizing what this change means not only for the Diocese, but for Robin personally. We have made every effort to provide a just severance package for Robin. Please keep Robin and her family in your prayers.
New Staffing Appointments
Although the steps of transition to a new office staff will be taken incrementally, by the end of February 2009, we can expect to see Leisha Woltjer, the current Cathedral Coordinator, as the diocesan Finance Manager. Jamie Parsley, currently the “Bishop’s Assistant for Communications” will be given added responsibilities and become my part-time “Executive Assistant.” Correspondence and questions which in the past were directed to Robin should now go to Jamie Parsley at the email address of NDEpiscopal@aol.com.
The Cathedral will begin a search for an Office Manager. Although, for budgeting purposes, the line is clearly drawn between the cathedral Office Manager and the diocesan Finance Manager, it is our intent in practice that these two work together with the Executive Assistant and volunteers as a team to meet the administrative needs of both organizations in an effective manner. For example, phone calls to both offices will be answered by one person in the future.
We also intend to make some changes in the amount of paper mailings made from the diocesan office. This is a matter of stewardship in terms of cost-savings and environmental-friendliness. You can help us in this transition by letting us know how best to serve you or what you are missing from us. For example, for years “Lay Reader” sermons have been mailed to a number of recipients. Are these being used? I have asked Jamie Parsley and Kevin Goodrich OP to find online resources for those who regularly use these sermons. Please let us know what is most helpful.
Fourth Deputy Fund
At the most recent Diocesan Convention a decision was made to refine a decision made by a previous convention. We have now decided to send either one or both of our fourth deputies to General Convention, “provided funds are procured beyond the diocesan budget.” To enable this I have established a “Fourth Deputy Fund” at the diocesan office. To date donations and pledges have been secured in the amount of $1,600, leaving us $3,200 short of being able to send both of our fourth deputies.
An additional $1,600 remains to be raised for Terry Star to be sent as the fourth clergy deputy; $1,600 remains to be raised for Donna Pettit to be sent as the fourth lay deputy. Proceeds from fundraisers and checks may be made payable to the Diocese of North Dakota noting either “Lay Fourth Deputy” or “Clergy Fourth Deputy.” Undesignated contributions will be divided equally.
Anglican Covenant
I am grateful for the Diocesan Convention’s support of the ongoing “Windsor Process” which includes the development of an Anglican Covenant. I experienced our debate as respectful and sincere in attempts to find common ground and a way forward together in the crisis besetting our church and the Anglican Communion.
One of the concerns raised during our discussion was about supporting an Anglican Covenant that was not yet in its final form. The final draft is expected to be released this spring. When the Anglican Consultative Council presents it to the churches of the Anglican Communion (possibly as early as May) we will continue our diocesan study and conversation.
Some have questioned why the Diocese of North Dakota should be concerned at all about the Anglican Covenant. Why not simply allow the “national church” to deal with this issue? My response is that the proposed Anglican Covenant is the most important development in Anglicanism since the English Reformation. Since the “basic unit” of our church is the diocese and since our polity is essentially democratic, it’s my contention that to ignore it would be irresponsible of us as a diocese and negligence on my part as a leader.
Advent and Christmas
The Church calls us during these darkest days of the year to recall our Lord’s first advent as the Servant of mercy and salvation two millennia ago and to prepare for his future advent as the Judge of humankind. By the grace of the Incarnation, in this meantime, we call upon him to come into our hearts, forgiving us and providing us the grace and will to walk with him daily. When he comes again, may he find us ready with our lamps burning brightly, fueled by our acts of goodness, compassion and justice. I am,
Yours in Christ,
+Michael
Dear Friends:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.
End of an era
The new year of 2009 will mark the end of an era for the diocesan office. At the recent Diocesan Convention we said goodbye to Business Manager Bonnie Bernardy and thanked her for 17 years of service. Since then a very difficult decision has been made to eliminate the position of “Secretary to the Bishop” and we now say goodbye to Robin Kjos and thank her for 30 years of service to the Diocese of North Dakota.
Some background: One of the recommendations of the 2006 Task Force on Reorganization for Mission was to “reduce diocesan office staff to 1.0 FTE paid staff member and either contract out services not provided by the paid staff person and/or use volunteers.” The retirement of the Business Manager made this the opportune time to implement this recommendation and the 2009 budget adopted at Convention reflects a reduction in diocesan staffing.
Since last summer, Dean Steve Sellers and I have been exploring ways in which the diocesan and cathedral office staffs might work together more efficiently and effectively. This fall we called upon Diocesan Treasurer John Baird, Diocesan Convention Secretary Sandy Holbrook, Cathedral Treasurer Brett Shewey, Cathedral Senior Warden Dave Anderson and Deacon Beth Lipp to join us as a “Task Force on Office Reorganization.”
After reviewing current position descriptions, consulting personnel professionals and auditors outside our system, this group began drafting new position descriptions including necessary qualifications and appropriate pay scales. During this process it became painfully clear that if the diocesan budget could only support one full-time paid position, it had to be a financial officer. That determination meant the elimination of the position of “Secretary to the Bishop.”
This decision was not made lightly but with the deep sadness of realizing what this change means not only for the Diocese, but for Robin personally. We have made every effort to provide a just severance package for Robin. Please keep Robin and her family in your prayers.
New Staffing Appointments
Although the steps of transition to a new office staff will be taken incrementally, by the end of February 2009, we can expect to see Leisha Woltjer, the current Cathedral Coordinator, as the diocesan Finance Manager. Jamie Parsley, currently the “Bishop’s Assistant for Communications” will be given added responsibilities and become my part-time “Executive Assistant.” Correspondence and questions which in the past were directed to Robin should now go to Jamie Parsley at the email address of NDEpiscopal@aol.com.
The Cathedral will begin a search for an Office Manager. Although, for budgeting purposes, the line is clearly drawn between the cathedral Office Manager and the diocesan Finance Manager, it is our intent in practice that these two work together with the Executive Assistant and volunteers as a team to meet the administrative needs of both organizations in an effective manner. For example, phone calls to both offices will be answered by one person in the future.
We also intend to make some changes in the amount of paper mailings made from the diocesan office. This is a matter of stewardship in terms of cost-savings and environmental-friendliness. You can help us in this transition by letting us know how best to serve you or what you are missing from us. For example, for years “Lay Reader” sermons have been mailed to a number of recipients. Are these being used? I have asked Jamie Parsley and Kevin Goodrich OP to find online resources for those who regularly use these sermons. Please let us know what is most helpful.
Fourth Deputy Fund
At the most recent Diocesan Convention a decision was made to refine a decision made by a previous convention. We have now decided to send either one or both of our fourth deputies to General Convention, “provided funds are procured beyond the diocesan budget.” To enable this I have established a “Fourth Deputy Fund” at the diocesan office. To date donations and pledges have been secured in the amount of $1,600, leaving us $3,200 short of being able to send both of our fourth deputies.
An additional $1,600 remains to be raised for Terry Star to be sent as the fourth clergy deputy; $1,600 remains to be raised for Donna Pettit to be sent as the fourth lay deputy. Proceeds from fundraisers and checks may be made payable to the Diocese of North Dakota noting either “Lay Fourth Deputy” or “Clergy Fourth Deputy.” Undesignated contributions will be divided equally.
Anglican Covenant
I am grateful for the Diocesan Convention’s support of the ongoing “Windsor Process” which includes the development of an Anglican Covenant. I experienced our debate as respectful and sincere in attempts to find common ground and a way forward together in the crisis besetting our church and the Anglican Communion.
One of the concerns raised during our discussion was about supporting an Anglican Covenant that was not yet in its final form. The final draft is expected to be released this spring. When the Anglican Consultative Council presents it to the churches of the Anglican Communion (possibly as early as May) we will continue our diocesan study and conversation.
Some have questioned why the Diocese of North Dakota should be concerned at all about the Anglican Covenant. Why not simply allow the “national church” to deal with this issue? My response is that the proposed Anglican Covenant is the most important development in Anglicanism since the English Reformation. Since the “basic unit” of our church is the diocese and since our polity is essentially democratic, it’s my contention that to ignore it would be irresponsible of us as a diocese and negligence on my part as a leader.
Advent and Christmas
The Church calls us during these darkest days of the year to recall our Lord’s first advent as the Servant of mercy and salvation two millennia ago and to prepare for his future advent as the Judge of humankind. By the grace of the Incarnation, in this meantime, we call upon him to come into our hearts, forgiving us and providing us the grace and will to walk with him daily. When he comes again, may he find us ready with our lamps burning brightly, fueled by our acts of goodness, compassion and justice. I am,
Yours in Christ,
+Michael
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Fargo Forum interview with Bishop Smith
Reporter Shane Mercer of the Fargo Forum submitted to Bishop Michael Smith of the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota the following questions regarding yesterday’s (Dec. 3) announcement of the formation of the Anglican Church in North America. Below are Mercer’s questions and Smith’s responses:
Forum: Why is this group seeking to establish a new province?
Bishop Smith: The groups coming together to form a new province have been frustrated and grieved by what they see as a drifting away from the historic faith by the Episcopal Church and others in the Anglican Communion. The straw that broke the camel’s back for many of them came in 2003 when Gene Robinson, a non-celibate gay man was consecrated as bishop of New Hampshire. After attempts at reforming the institution, they have given up hope that the Episcopal Church will ever reverse its current course and see establishing another Anglican province in the U.S. as their only course of action.
Forum: Is it possible that Episcopal groups from our region will join this movement?
Bishop Smith: I would be very surprised if any groups in our region were to join this movement. Although we in the Diocese of North Dakota have strong differences of opinion about same gender blessings and other controversial matters, we are united in our resolve to remain a part of the Episcopal Church as well as remaining a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Anglicanism (of which the Episcopal Church is one of thirty-eight autonomous churches around the world) has traditionally been proud of its ability to remain together as a worshiping community despite differences in theological understandings. We’ve seen it as a gift that evangelicals and catholics and liberal protestants can all find a home in our big tent. That’s one reason this is all so painful.
Forum: How do you view this move by these individuals? Is it something they have a right to do? Is it the wrong decision for them to make?
Bishop Smith: I would never presume to judge my brothers and sisters in Christ who are making this decision. I know, love and respect a good number of them. I have every confidence that they are making a conscience-driven decision based on their commitment to Christ and to the Church.
Forum: What impact will this move have on the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A.?
Bishop Smith: Only time will tell what impact this move will have on the Episcopal Church. A good number of us who desire to preserve the unity and traditional faith of the church are looking for a successful outcome in terms of the proposed Anglican Covenant. The churches of the Anglican Communion are in a tremendous period of discernment about how God is calling us to be in relationship with one another. The decisions made in the coming years are probably the most significant for Anglicanism since the English Reformation in the sixteenth century.
Forum: Why is this group seeking to establish a new province?
Bishop Smith: The groups coming together to form a new province have been frustrated and grieved by what they see as a drifting away from the historic faith by the Episcopal Church and others in the Anglican Communion. The straw that broke the camel’s back for many of them came in 2003 when Gene Robinson, a non-celibate gay man was consecrated as bishop of New Hampshire. After attempts at reforming the institution, they have given up hope that the Episcopal Church will ever reverse its current course and see establishing another Anglican province in the U.S. as their only course of action.
Forum: Is it possible that Episcopal groups from our region will join this movement?
Bishop Smith: I would be very surprised if any groups in our region were to join this movement. Although we in the Diocese of North Dakota have strong differences of opinion about same gender blessings and other controversial matters, we are united in our resolve to remain a part of the Episcopal Church as well as remaining a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Anglicanism (of which the Episcopal Church is one of thirty-eight autonomous churches around the world) has traditionally been proud of its ability to remain together as a worshiping community despite differences in theological understandings. We’ve seen it as a gift that evangelicals and catholics and liberal protestants can all find a home in our big tent. That’s one reason this is all so painful.
Forum: How do you view this move by these individuals? Is it something they have a right to do? Is it the wrong decision for them to make?
Bishop Smith: I would never presume to judge my brothers and sisters in Christ who are making this decision. I know, love and respect a good number of them. I have every confidence that they are making a conscience-driven decision based on their commitment to Christ and to the Church.
Forum: What impact will this move have on the Episcopal Church in the U.S.A.?
Bishop Smith: Only time will tell what impact this move will have on the Episcopal Church. A good number of us who desire to preserve the unity and traditional faith of the church are looking for a successful outcome in terms of the proposed Anglican Covenant. The churches of the Anglican Communion are in a tremendous period of discernment about how God is calling us to be in relationship with one another. The decisions made in the coming years are probably the most significant for Anglicanism since the English Reformation in the sixteenth century.
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