PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS IN VIRGINIA DEMAND OBEDIENCE TO BISHOP

Turning the screws a little tighter

R-15 Affirmation of the authority of the Bishop

Resolved, that this 209th Council affirms the authority of the Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia, the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee as contained in the diocesan and church canons.

Council respectfully encourages him to discipline those churches and clergy that do not actively support the mission, fellowship and life of the Diocese or who are actively undermining the mission, fellowship and life of the Diocese.

Submitted by the Clericus of Region 13 The Rev. Caroline Smith Parkinson, Dean The Rev. Jeune E. Cunningham The Rev. James Hammond The Rev. Jennings Hobson The Rev. Roma Maycock The Rev. William MacDonald Murray The Rev. Kira Myers The Rev. Ann Stribling The Rev. Linnea Turner

Rationale: The Clericus of Region 13 gathered at its regularly meeting on January 15, 2004 shared their collective, grave concern about the ideas and plans contained in a memo being distributed by The Rev. Geoff Chapman, a chief strategist for the American Anglican Council (AAC). By his introductory paragraph in the memo, he implies that the information which follows has the endorsement of the entire group. This memo clearly outlines a plan of a replacement jurisdiction for the Episcopal Church in the United States (ECUSA). It proposes a strategy to disrupt the order of the church and ultimately to dismantle it. We are well aware that some of the parishes and/or Rectors within our diocese are bold in their acclamation of identity with the AAC.

People can have honest differences on issues before the Church. Resolving those differences should not involve undermining the authority of the diocesan bishop and attempting to impede the work of this Diocese which has served Virginia Episcopalians for over 200 years.

R-16 On Receiving the Ministry of the Diocesan Bishop to Congregations in The Diocese of Virginia

Whereas, Article XXVI of the Articles of Religion in the Book of Common Prayer states: Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes evil have chief authority in Ministration of the Word and Sacraments, yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in Christ's, and do minister by his commission and authority, we may use their ministry, both in hearing the Word of God, and in receiving the Sacraments.

Neither is the effect of Christ's ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor the grace of God's gifts diminished from such as by faith and rightly do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them, which be effectual, because of Christ's institution and promise; and Whereas, Peter James Lee is the canonically elected and consecrated Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia; now therefore be it

Resolved, that the 209th Council of the Diocese of Virginia affirms the principle established in this XXVIth Article; and be it further

Resolved, that the 209th Council calls upon congregations of the Diocese prayerfully to receive the ministry of their Diocesan Bishop.

Submitted by The Reverend Dr. Lindon Eaves, St. Thomas, Richmond.

Background

The article recognizes the deep ambiguity of Church life and that the efficacy of scripture and sacrament depend on the faithfulness of God, not on the perceived or actual virtue of the minister. At open meetings following General Convention, the Warden of All Saints' Church, Dale City, read a letter asking Bishop Lee not to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation in that congregation. The proposed resolution constitutes recognition by Council that such requests are at variance with the Anglican understanding of scripture, sacrament and ministry.

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