SOUTH CAROLINA: Charleston Parish Sends Regret Letter To All Saints Church

By David W. Virtue

CHARLESTON, SC--The rectors of one of the largest parish churches in the Diocese of South Carolina has sent a letter of personal regret to AMIA Bishop Chuck Murphy and to the rector of All Saints Church, Waccamaw for its decision to withdraw from the diocese. The Rev. Marc Boutan, associate rector of St. Philip Church, a flagship parish in the heart of Charleston, said some 15 clergy and laity signed a letter saying, We, some of your fellow clergy of the Diocese of South Carolina, gathered coincidentally for the Anglican Communion Institute at St. Philip Church, wish to convey our deep sorrow over this loss.

Although we have been separated to some extent by the legal actions you have taken against the Diocese over the land issue, your friendship, your talent, your vitality and leadership in the cause of Jesus Christ over the years have been wonderful gifts to us -- not something we can relinquish easily. We hate to see our alliance come to this end. We will miss your participation in our common life.

We wish you would reconsider your decision. We need your voice along with ours to stand for the historic Christian faith against the tide of revisionism. We appeal to you give the Anglican Communion an opportunity to discipline ECUSA, and then move together toward the best solution.

Fondly in Christ,

Rev. Haden McCormick, rector

Rev. arc Boutan, Associate rector

(15 Signatures followed after this letter.)

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