SENIOR BISHOPS CROSS DIOCESAN LINES

Press Release – March 14, 2004

In an unprecedented act, five retired U.S. bishops and one active international bishop confirmed 110 people at St. Paul's (Orthodox) Church in Akron.

The Rt. Rev. Maurice Benitez (ret., Texas) read a joint statement:

"We come as pastors who care deeply about you… because the lay persons among you asked us to come."

"We respond to the Primates' call for 'adequate provision for episcopal oversight'—still unmet by ECUSA."

The bishops stressed: "The heart of the matter is not sexuality—but the authority of Holy Scripture in the life of the Church."

They affirmed their desire to:

Proclaim the Gospel

Call people to repentance

Uphold biblical doctrine

Be the true expression of Anglicanism in America

"We did not come to argue or speak harsh words—but to speak the truth in love."

"My brothers and sisters in Christ… we believe, in the name of God, that you are right."

Participating bishops:

C. FitzSimons Allison (ret., SC)

William Cox (ret., OK/TX)

Alex Dickson (ret., TN)

William Wantland (ret., WI)

Maurice Benitez (ret., TX)

Robinson Cavalcanti (Recife, Brazil)