AAC RESPONSE TO BISHOP JOHNSONS PASTORAL LETTERTO THE DIOCESE OF WEST TENNESSEE

January 16, 203

Bishop Donald Johnsons deeply troubling January 15, 2004 Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of West Tennessee raises serious questions of freedom of association and freedom of speech as well as abuse of the office of bishop by dictating the conscience of Episcopalians in his diocese. Bishop Johnson wrote his pastoral letter (which he posted on the Diocese of West Tennessee website) in response to a draft document of an American Anglican Council (AAC) subcommittee outlining plans for adequate episcopal oversight.  Bishop Johnson falsely accuses the AAC of deceitfulness and subversive sabotage and vows to purge his diocese of association with the AAC. We are deeply concerned about the individuals, clergy and congregations in West Tennessee who are affiliated with AAC, and we stand in  full solidarity with them.  

We urge Bishop Johnson to refrain from punitive action, harassment or intimidation of the people under his care who uphold historic Anglican faith and order and whose affiliation with AAC provides them a place to stand Bishop Johnson emphasizes his desire to preserve the church as it currently exists. Here are the facts about the Episcopal Church USA (ECUSA) as it currently exists.  It is a Church that is no longer in relationship with the majority of Anglicans worldwide.  It is a Church that no longer turns to Holy Scripture for its guidance. It is a Church that has chosen the ways of man over the ways of God.  It is a church that has undermined the institution of marriage. It is a church with which many worldwide Christian denominations have broken relations.  It is a church that has lost its heart and soul and its commitment to making disciples and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We must ask: Is this truly the Church that Bishop Johnson wishes to preserve?

The AAC has long worked for the reformation and renewal of the Church. This is still our desire. We have NEVER said that we are leaving. We have not moved anywhere. We are still in full relationship with the worldwide Anglican Communion and we are resolutely determined that orthodox Episcopalians will remain so.  For years we have spoken of the need for adequate episcopal oversight.  It has been one of our goals, and it will continue be one of our top priorities.  In October, the Anglican Primates unanimously called for this oversight to be provided within ECUSA, and we are committed to finding a way for it to be delivered, even if the leadership of ECUSA is unwilling.

In this time of crisis, we must first and foremost pray; we must repent and ask God’s forgiveness. We must also move forward with the mission and ministry of the Church -- whatever the cost.

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The American Anglican Council is a network of individuals, parishes, specialized ministries and Episcopal Bishops who affirm Biblical authority and mainstream Anglican orthodoxy within the Episcopal Church. For more information on the  AAC, please visit http://www.americananglican.org.

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