REC PRESIDING BISHOP ACCEPTS HOTCHKISS RESIGNATION

Special Report

By David W. Virtue

VIRTUOSITY

TO THE BISHOPS AND STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE CHURCH

Dear Brethren:

It is with great heaviness of heart and deep personal distress that I write to provide you with the following information. Under date of November 30, 2003, I have received a letter from Gregory K. Hotchkiss in which he officially vacates his episcopal office and renounces his ministerial orders in the Reformed Episcopal Church. In his correspondence he  cites changes in his moral and theological understanding which have resulted in a growing distance between himself and the Reformed Episcopal Church. In particular he makes reference to the official statements issued by the bishops of the Reformed Episcopal Church in response to the 2003 General Convention of the Episcopal Church and in response to their consecration of a practicing homosexual to the episcopate. He affirms his disagreement with our church stated position, and states that he can no longer continue in good conscience as an ordained clergyman in this denomination.

Accordingly, in conformity with Canon 31, Section 1 (d) of the Canons of the Reformed Episcopal Church, I have accepted his voluntary renunciation of all gifts, authorities, prerogatives and duties which were conferred upon him at the time of his ordination and consecration. As a consequence, he is no longer a minister of the Gospel, or a bishop in the church of God. I commend him and his family to your intercessory prayers.

May God enable us to see beyond the distress and disappointment of these events to the good purpose for which He has called us to Himself in Christ Jesus, and which He is working out among us from day to day. And may we dedicate ourselves anew to the unchanging truth of His eternal Word, to the imperative of uncompromising Gospel witness, and to the privilege of working together to build this portion of His Kingdom as that opportunity has been entrusted to us in this promising day and time.

Faithfully yours, in Christ,

(The Most Rev.) Leonard W. Riches

Presiding Bishop

END