PRESIDING BISHOP GRISWOLD AND COUNCIL OF ADVICE CONDEMN OHIO INCIDENT AS UNLAWFUL

Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold and the Presiding Bishop’s Council of Advice jointly denounced the Ohio confirmations as violations of the Episcopal Church’s Constitution and Canons. Griswold emphasized that any provision for dissenting minorities “must be consistent with the constitutional and canonical structures of ECUSA.” Canon III.9 requires outside bishops to obtain explicit permission before exercising ministry in another diocese.

Both cited the October 2003 Primates’ Meeting statement affirming “the autonomy and territorial integrity of dioceses,” and quoted Archbishop Rowan Williams’ plea for “generous and constructive ways forward… that will guarantee Episcopal care for all and avoid further fragmentation.”

The Council of Advice—a bipartisan group—stressed unity in mission despite disagreement on General Convention decisions: “We are… completely one in our commitment to… proclaim[ing] the reconciling love of God… to a broken and divided world.”

Griswold suggested the timing—days before the House of Bishops’ Texas meeting—was deliberate: “I can only surmise that their intention is to co-opt the bishops’ agenda and provoke a reaction…” Yet he expressed confidence that the “diverse center” would find a just, pastoral path forward.