WESTERN NEW YORK BISHOP FACES FINANCIAL BACKLASH TO ROBINSON CONSECRATION

By J. Michael Garrison

“The Fair Share” is how our diocese supports the wider Episcopal Church. Each parish’s annual commitment makes our giving a sign of God’s generosity.

But now, some parishes—angered by GC’s confirmation of Bishop Robinson—are withholding or diverting funds.

St. Stephen’s (Niagara Falls), St. Bartholomew’s (Tonawanda), St. Michael’s (Buffalo), and St. Mary’s (Salamanca) are sending only a pittance. St. Mark’s (Orchard Park) cut its pledge by one-third. Total shortfall: ≥ $135,000.

This will reduce staff or cut programs—punishing workers and the diocese’s mission, not General Convention or its deputies.

Withdrawing support is spiritually arrogant—a childish act, like a child taking toys and running away.

Our Church’s full name: The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Born in dissent—I fully support the right to protest.

But this is not protest. It signals a profound disconnection as the Body of Christ.

After listening visits, I’ve been vilified—even likened to Satan. How, then, do we model what Jesus would do?

Recall Paul in Galatians:

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Without this fruit, how do we disagree agreeably? How do we cherish each other as beloved children of God?

For those of us who supported GC: we acted prophetically, striving for justice and respecting every human’s dignity—answered, in God’s time.

In the meantime: let us remain in the way of Jesus.

Shalom,

The Rt. Rev. J. Michael Garrison

Diocese of Western New York