"I'm back from Anglican Use Conference in San Antonio"

From Taylor Marshall, a report on the Anglican Use Conference in San Antonio:

I'm back from the Anglican Use Conference. This is the third Anglican Use Conference that I have attended and by far the best. Father Phillips and Deacon Orr of Our Lady of Atonement Catholic Church did an excellent job planning the event. Everything ran smoothly. The food was great. The speakers were also strong.

Former ECUSA bishop Dr. Jeffrey Steenson gave one of the best "convert stories" that I've ever heard. Extremely compelling from a theological point of view. . .

Read it all.

AnglicanTV interview with Bishop Terence Kelshaw

I interviewed Bishop Terence Kelshaw, retired bishop of the Rio Grande and now Bishop in Residence for St. James Anglican under Uganda, for AnglicanTV last week. Bishop Kelshaw talked about a wide range of issues, including the politicization of the Episcopal Church, the proposed Anglican Covenant, Lambeth 1998 and 2008, the Anglican Communion Network, GAFCON, Bishop Kelshaw’s role in the trial of Bishop Righter, the current House of Bishops, etc. Enjoy!

Don't forget that Kevin is still fundraising for his trip to GAFCON!

Rio Grande: Another one shakes the dust. . .

From the Las Cruces Sun-News:

Congregation of Episcopal church in Cloudcroft leaves diocese

The clergy and congregation of the Episcopal mission Church of Ascension in Cloudcroft have split from the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande and joined the Anglican Province of Uganda.

The diocese said this week its trustees and standing committee were told of the decision last week.

"The prayers of the trustees and the standing committee go with those people of Ascension who feel they must leave the Episcopal Church," the diocese said in a news release. "We are saddened by their decision, but pray the Lord will bless their community with faith, hope and love."

The diocese said conversations between the two sides "were respectful, cordial and acknowledged respective positions."

The Cloudcroft congregation, which numbered between 20 and 30 people, held its last service at the church last Sunday, then vacated the premises for another location, the diocese said. . .

Read it all.
H/t to TitusOneNine.

2008 Anglican Use Conference

From Taylor Marshall at Canterbury Tales [boldface mine]:

2008 Anglican Use Conference
Thursday, July 10 - Saturday, July 12, 2008
San Antonio, Texas

In this annual conference organized by the Anglican Use Society, representatives of the several Catholic parishes of the Pastoral Provision will gather, together with interested Anglican clergy and lay people. This year's conference will be hosted by Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church in San Antonio.

The theme of this year's conference is The First 25 Years of the Anglican Usage of the Roman Rite: Unity in Diversity in the Catholic Church.

Guest speakers will include The Most Reverend John Myers, Archbishop of Newark and the Ecclesiastical Delegate for the Pastoral Provision; The Reverend Christopher G. Phillips, Pastor of Our Lady of the Atonement Catholic Church; and Dr. Jeffrey N. Steenson, formerly the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande, and recent convert to the Catholic Church.

The registration fee is $90.00 per person. Click here for registration form. . .

Read it all.

Jeffrey Steenson received into the Catholic Church

From the blog Canterbury Tales by Taylor Marshall:

Former Episcopal bishop [of Diocese of the Rio Grande] Jeffrey Steenson was received into the Catholic Church this weekend in Rome at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

A hearty congratulations to him as he was instrumental in my own journey into the full communion with Christ and His vicar on earth, Pope Benedict XVI.

Rio Grande: On the Departure of St. Clement’s, El Paso

From the Diocese of the Rio Grande:

On May 19, 2007, at a joint meeting of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, the following resolution was adopted unanimously: “Recognizing the authority of I Corinthians 6:1-8 in disputes amongst Christians, [the diocese] commits itself earnestly to pursue settlement through negotiation rather than litigation should one of it’s member parishes or self-supporting missions seek to sever its relationship to the Diocese and the Episcopal Church.”

This is the essential background of the settlement negotiated between the Diocese and St. Clement’s, El Paso. During the past summer, the Trustees engaged in many hours of conversation with the leaders of St. Clement’s. Considerable consultations were also held with the office of the Presiding Bishop in order to represent the interests of the Episcopal Church. The Trustees weighed many factors, including the value of the property, the potential cost of litigation, and the question of mission strategy in this part of El Paso.

The Trustees believe this resolution is in the best interest of all parties, will facilitate healing, and leave open the doors should future reconciliation become possible. It also minimizes the impact of St. Clement’s departure on the life of the diocese and allows us to move forward in mission.

Documents:
Settlement Agreement (PDF)

Settlement Addendum to Agreement (PDF)

A Godly Judgement (PDF)

Joint Press Release (PDF)

Bishop's Letter to St. Clement's Parishioners (PDF)

Lead Article in the TOGETHER (PDF)

H/t to Stand Firm.

Resistance is futile: Presiding Bishop sets stipulations for church property sales

When did the national office in New York absorb the dioceses in the United States? What happened to the idea that a national office was to support the dioceses, not dictate to them? When did the bishops sign over their bishoprics and become sycophants to the office of the presiding bishop?

I am stunned that anyone is listening to the Presiding Bishop as she commands who can do what with their property, I don't care which side of the ongoing debate you're on.

From the Living Church:

The Episcopal Church will make sure that any property it sells is not intended for use by parishes that plan to affiliate with other Anglican provinces, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said Sept. 30 on a visit to Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.

Asked if she were satisfied with the agreement by the Diocese of the Rio Grande to sell St. Clement Pro-Cathedral in El Paso, Texas, to the congregation, Bishop Schori said she had recommended two stipulations.

“I’ve told them that my two concerns are that the congregation not set up as another part of the Anglican Communion and that there is some reasonable assurance that it’s a fair sale,” she said.

I thought this was a done deal - is she proposing overturning a legal contract? On what basis? And what is her legal standing in this anyway?

Bishop Jefferts Schori spoke to reporters before appearing on Grace Cathedral’s Forum, a weekly program, broadcast on the Internet. Bishop Jefferts Schori appeared on the program with the Bishop of California, the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus. She also preached at the 11 a.m. service.

The issue of control over property is becoming an increasing concern as parishes disaffected by The Episcopal Church's stance on homosexuality and other matters affiliate with more conservative bishops in other provinces.

Yea, don't worry about the people, just the property.

Bishop Jefferts Schori’s concerns evidently have not been written into the sale agreement. Bishop Jefferts Schori said she has made herself clear to Bishop Jeffrey Steenson and the diocese, but that it’s “too soon to get a response.” She said she has also made it clear that The Episcopal Church would scrutinize any sale of church property with the same concerns in mind.

So remind me again how 815 took over each and every diocese?

"If a building is sold to a congregation, The Episcopal Church as a whole is not so concerned if it’s going to be a community church,” she said, although there must be assurances that stewardship was addressed and that the building was sold at fair market value. “But if a congregation purports to set up as another part of the Anglican Communion, we are concerned about that.”

So we all have non-compete clauses now? Nothing like getting the "Great Commission" to become the "Great Non-competition."

Bishop Jefferts Schori attended the Rio Grande clergy conference Sept. 26, shortly after Bishop Steenson announced that he would resign and become a Roman Catholic. On Sept. 16, the parish of the Pro-Cathedral Church of St. Clement voted overwhelmingly to leave The Episcopal Church. Earlier the parish negotiated an agreement to buy the church property from the diocese for $2 million.

Can we say, at the very least, "First Amendment issues" - perhaps "free exercise of religion" and "freedom of assembly" (I won't even get into "freedom of speech"). Either that, or it's a replay of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. To all the bishops, I say "play the man!"

Read it all.

Rio Grande: Sadness, confusion after Episcopal bishop quits

From SantaFeNewMexican.com:

Clergy from the Diocese of the Rio Grande greeted Bishop Jeffrey N. Steenson with a standing ovation last week during a conference at the Holy Cross Retreat Center in Mesilla Park, N.M.

The expression of respect and affection for Steenson came five days after he released a “very difficult letter” announcing his intention to resign as bishop of the 8,000-member diocese in New Mexico and West Texas. Steenson said his “conscience is deeply troubled about where the Episcopal Church is heading.”

According to clergy in the room, the response was one of compassion for Steenson’s realization that he could no longer uphold the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church, which has lost dozens of congregations in recent years.

But along with the sadness there was confusion, trepidition and, for some, a feeling of abandonment.

Most clergy and lay people had hoped that Steenson, a gentle, pastoral man, could help heal the rift in the diocese and in the worldwide Anglican communion over issues of governance and sexuality.

Steenson, who was consecrated a bishop in 2005, opposed the ordination of the gay bishop Gene Robinson in 2003 and official blessings of same-sex relationships. But he also believed conservatives and traditional people should stay within the church and work for change.

Now he has announced that he will join the Roman Catholic Church, which he called the “true home of Anglicanism.”. . .

. . . Earlier this month, members of the Pro-Cathedral of St. Clement’s in El Paso voted to leave the Episcopal Church, and Steenson helped negotiate a deal that will allow the congregation to keep the church’s property for $2 million. Two other churches in the diocese, St. Francis on the Hill in El Paso and St. Mark’s on the Mesa in Albuquerque, have also considered breaking with the national church and seeking other alliances.

The impact of Steenson’s departure on those who are teetering on the edge is a big question.

Kelly said Steenson’s resignation might cause some churches to decide now is the time to make a move because there is no bishop they have to get past. Others might continue to take a “wait and see” attitude. . .

. . . In the days after Steenson’s announcement, lay people and even some clergy flooded the conservative Web site standfirminfaith.com with comments on the decision. Many praised his character, but some posters accused him of betrayal for resigning rather than taking the Diocese of the Rio Grande out of the Episcopal Church. One writer even predicted a massive exodus from the church in the wake of Steenson’s departure. And a self-described former Episcopal priest, now a Roman Catholic, urged Episcopalians to “come home,” declaring that, “The only thing you have to lose is endless turmoil and distraction from Christ’s mission.”

In his own comments, Steenson has indicated that pressure from the right was a major contribution to his decision. [But note that the quote below addressing this is not from Bishop Steenson, so I'm not sure what was really said -ed.]

According to Raney [Ray Raney, rector of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross in Edgewood], the bishop noted the intervention of ultraconservative primates, particularly those from Africa and the Southern states, in local dioceses has destabilized the conservative movement in the Episcopal Church. Because of their interference, it has become more difficult for more traditional Episcopalians to influence church policy.

“Each person must speak from his or own careful conviction. As long as people are able with integrity to speak, that’s healthy for church. We’re balanced by that,” Kelly explained. “But when people from one direction or another start leaving, that balance becomes unbalanced. I weep when that happens.”

But, he said, “There are still plenty of voices that are out there.”

Read it all.
H/t to TitusOneNine.

Notes from a clergy conference: +Schori to prevent departing parishes from Communion connection

From Stand Firm, a report from a Diocese of Rio Grande clergy member who was present at their recent meeting with the Presiding Bishop:

Notes from the clergy conference with the Presiding Bishop:

First, until Bishop Steenson’s resignation is accepted by the Standing Committee, the HoB cannot vote. They will mail a ballot to each bishop when the SC completes action, probably next Thursday.

Second, ++KJS is quite insistent that a clause be added to the St. Clement’s contract making it null and void if they cease to be an independent congregation of join another part of the Anglican Communion/ She, rightly in my mind, sees this as crucial for TEC. I believe she repeated that at least once and referred to that principle several times in the question and answer session. However, the agreement is signed, sealed, delivered and the money became an investment instrument the minute it was received. I don’t believe it can be legally reopened. But she is steely eyed committed to see that this clause gets in all the next agreements. “Warning Will Robinson!”

Third, two bishops threatened +Jeffrey, over this agreement with St. Clement. CO and I believe XX were the bishops. He was really upset by this –in tears and shaking- and it included deposition, law suits, not allowing him to resign. . . We were quite angry on hearing this. . .

I have met Bishop Steenson and a more gentle, thoughtful man would be hard to find. Whether you agree with his decision or not, the fact that Christian bishops would threaten him in such a way is unconscionable. Read it all.

Bishop Steenson’s Statement to the House of Bishops

From Stand Firm [boldface mine]:

A STATEMENT TO THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
NEW ORLEANS, 25 SEPTEMBER 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Please let me begin by thanking you for your gracious hospitality to me during the time I have been privileged to belong to this House. I appreciate your careful and deliberate efforts to embrace the practical values of Christian community. At no point have I thought to myself, “I don’t want to be in communion with these people.” Quite the opposite: I have deeply valued these relationships and sincerely hoped that they might model a way of remaining in communion for all the Church.

But communion, Christian communion, is more than human relationships, as essential as these are. My conscience is deeply troubled, because I sense that the obligations of my ministry in the Episcopal Church may lead me to a place apart from Scripture and Tradition. I am concerned that if I do not listen to and act in accordance with conscience now, it will become harder and harder to hear God’s voice. Already I have sought out our Presiding Bishop for her counsel and prayers, and now I come before you, asking that you give me the necessary canonical permission to resign as ordinary of my diocese. I should like to do this by the end of this year, and afterwards, in proper order, to be released from my ordination vows in the Episcopal Church.

I want to emphasize my gratitude for the gift of ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church and for the many blessings received along the way. Especially am I thankful for the people of my diocese and the high honor of serving them both as canon to the ordinary and bishop. It is indeed painful to lay down this ministry, but I realize that an effective leader cannot be so conflicted about the guiding principles of the Church one serves. I hope my decision will encourage others who believe they can no longer remain in the Episcopal Church, to respect its laws and to withdraw as courteously as possible for the sake of the Christian witness.

Our spring meeting this year at Camp Allen was a profoundly disturbing experience for me. I was more than a little surprised when such a substantial majority declared the polity of the Episcopal Church to be primarily that of an autonomous and independent local church relating to the wider Anglican Communion by voluntary association. This is not the Anglicanism in which I was formed, inspired by the Oxford movement and the Catholic Revival in the Church of England. Perhaps something was defective in my education for ministry in the Episcopal Church, but, honestly, I did not recognize the church that this House described on that occasion.

This sent me to reflect further on that crucial text from Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium: “Many elements of sanctification and of truth can be found outside the Church's visible structure. These elements, however, as gifts properly belonging to the Church of Christ, possess an inner dynamic toward Catholic unity." If this is true, then what we say and do as Anglicans ought to be directed toward the goal of reunification with the Catholic Church. The Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission strove valiantly to bring this about, and it once seemed that Anglicanism might offer itself, even sacrificially, for the sake of authentic Christian unity. It is much to be regretted that its 1998 report, “The Gift of Authority,” has been largely forgotten in our present conflicts, especially its call for the re-reception of the historic ministry of Peter within Anglican life.

In light of this, I have tried to understand the choices that are now before us: It seems to me that the Episcopal Church has made a decisive turn away from those extraordinary efforts to preserve the Communion, such as Archbishop Rowan’s proposal last summer in “The Challenge and Hope of Being an Anglican Today.” It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the Episcopal Church has rejected the discipline of communion but wants it only on its own terms.

Others in the Anglican Communion have taken it upon themselves to establish a separate provincial structure to challenge the Episcopal Church, some even arguing for a re-formed Anglicanism without reference to the See of Canterbury.

The Windsor Report calls for a future Anglicanism governed by strengthened instruments of communion and a covenant, but the strong medicine of primacy, so necessary to Catholic order, is missing from its prescriptions.

In none of these choices do I find that “inner dynamic toward Catholic unity.” It doesn’t appear that one can get there from where we are now, at least not corporately, considering Anglicanism’s present configurations.

From time to time it seems necessary for some to embark on these personal journeys as a reminder that the churches of the Reformation were not intended to carry on indefinitely separated from their historical and theological mooring in the Church of Rome. I believe that the Lord now calls me in this direction. It amazes me, after all of these years, what a radical journey of faith this must necessarily be. To some it seems foolish; to others disloyal; to others an abandonment. I once thought that it would be a simple matter of considering the theological evidence and then drawing a rational conclusion that surely would be self-evident to reasonable people. But faith is also a mystery and a gift, and this ultimately becomes a journey of the heart.

One day in the fall of 1978 I came home from classes at Harvard Divinity School to tune in the evening news and see John Paul II step on to the loggia of St. Peter’s for the first time. It was a quo vadis? moment, and I remember sensing for the first time the importance of being in communion with Peter. Over the years I have been especially conscious of those moments of peace and joy experienced when hearing and reflecting on the words of the two most recent successors of St. Peter. My old teacher, Dr. Mark Noll, writes in Is the Reformation Over? of his surprise at reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church and finding himself stopping to pray. That is exactly it, the experience of giving your heart to Jesus Christ again because you have encountered his words anew, now embodied in his ecclesial Body at its source. I do want to assure you that I have tried to follow the Ignatian principle of discernment, to make no important decision while in a place of spiritual desolation. I have especially sought to give no place to that anger which darkens understanding and clouds judgment.

With all my heart, I ask for your forgiveness for any difficulty this may cause and for anything I may have said or done that has failed to live up to the love of Christ. I hope that you will not see this as a repudiation of the Episcopal Church or Anglicanism. Rather, it is the sincere desire of a simple soul to bear witness to the fullness of the Catholic Faith, in communion with what St. Irenaeus called “that greatest and most ancient Church” (Adv. Haer. 3.3.2). I believe that our noble Anglican tradition (“this worthy patrimony”) has deep within it the instinct of a migratory bird calling, “It is time to fly home to a place you have never seen before.” May the Lord bless my steps and yours and bring our paths together in His good time.

- The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Steenson

HeavyDave on what it feels like in the trenches

From TitusOneNine, a response to Bishop Steenson's resignation from someone in the Diocese of the Rio Grande:

This is a very emotional time for those of us in the Diocese of the Rio Grande, especially among us at St. Clement's-El Paso who made up those "effective diocesan leaders" (a quote from Bp. Steenson's Letter to the Diocese 9/07) who have now been lost to the Diocese and have departed TEC under an agreement negotiated with the Bishop and Standing Committee, which has received significant Internet attention.

Those who are not, or have not recently been, involved intimately with the life and work of the Diocese since the retirement of Bishop Terrence Kelshaw and the election of Bishop Jeffrey Steenson should refrain from the kind of speculation that "Roman" mentions in #13 (above)...let me clear the air.

The Diocese has not been "polarized" for the 10 years I have served elected position. The conservative/orthodox block of votes at Convocation has represented over 2/3 of any vote, and both Standing Committee and Diocesan Council have super majorities of conservatives.

St. Clement's prepared and waited for a word from the Lord regarding our direction in the Anglican Communion.

Our Bishop, our friend and counselor Jeffrey Steenson, told us this was the time, and our prayers and discernment validated that call. The tear is never deeper, nor more painful, than when it is in tender flesh...and we felt that tear deeply in the tender flesh of this congregation and this Diocese when we voted 460-41 last Sunday to approve an agreement negotiated between us and the Diocese to leave with our property. We could not have succeeded in this without Bishop Steenson's care and compassion. I am awed by his humility and dedication to Christ, and pray for his health and strength in the months to come!

Bishop Steenson of Rio Grande announces his resignation

This is very sad news for us in San Diego. Bishop Steenson is currently serving as our DEPO bishop, so I'm not sure where this leaves us. From Stand Firm:

September 21, 2007

To the Clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This is a very difficult letter to write as your bishop and colleague in the ordained ministry, and I hope that you will receive it in the prayerful spirit in which it is offered. A pastoral letter to the people of the diocese will follow in a few days. At the House of Bishops meeting about to be convened in New Orleans, my intention is to ask them for permission to begin the process to resign as diocesan bishop. The bishops must give their consent, and then I will step down by the end of the year.

The reason for this decision is that my conscience is deeply troubled about where the Episcopal Church is heading, and this has become a crisis for me because of my ordination vow to uphold its doctrine, discipline, and worship. An effective leader cannot be so conflicted about the guiding principles of the Church he serves. It concerns me that this has affected my ability to lead this diocese with a clear and hopeful vision for its mission. I also have sensed how important it is for those of us in this position to model a gracious way to leave the Episcopal Church in a manner respectful of its laws.

I believe that God’s call to us is always positive, always a to and not a from. At the clergy conference next week I hope to be able to share something of this. Many of you already know of my love for the Catholic Church and my conviction that this is the true home of Anglicanism. I will not dwell on this, however, so as not to lose sight of my responsibility to help lay a good foundation for the transition that you must now lead.

I also want to acknowledge with gratitude the pastoral support I have received from the Presiding Bishop and her office during this time. She has offered to visit, and I have invited her to be with us at the clergy conference the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 26, and perhaps also for that evening, for mutual conversation and the opportunity to know each other better in this time reserved for the clergy. I hope that you all can be present.

This has been an extraordinarily difficult decision to make because of the bonds I share with you and the people of this diocese. It has indeed been a privilege to serve alongside you these past seven years. With deep feelings I write, with regret for how this may complicate your own ministry, with profound gratitude for your prayers and support, and with much love for you. I pledge to you my prayers and friendship in these days to come.

Your brother in Christ,
+Jeffrey Steenson

Stand Firm: Video Interview: Bishop Steenson comments on yesterday at the HOB meeting

From Stand Firm, an interview with Bishop Steenson of the Diocese of the Rio Grande done by Sarah Hey.

St. Clement's votes to leave the Episcopal Church [Updated]

Update: from Bishop Steenson of the Rio Grande, a letter to his diocese on events, as well as information on the upcoming diocesan convocation (October 19-20)

From the El Paso Times:

Congregants at Pro-Cathedral of St. Clement's Episcopal Church, one of the city's oldest places of worship with hundreds of members and more than a dozen ministries, is leaving the Episcopal Church to carry on with doctrines members said no longer fit those of its former denomination.

The church recorded a 460-41 vote from its congregation on Sunday to dissolve its relationship with Episcopal Church USA and remain part of the Anglican Communion Network.

"I'm very excited about the future of St. Clement's," Rev. William Cobb said. "I'm not at all surprised about the overwhelming vote because this is a unified church."

Late Friday, St. Clement's reached an agreement with Bishop Jeffrey Steenson of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande that will allow the local church to hang on to its property for $2 million.

H/t to TitusOneNine.
Read it all.

A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Jeffrey Steenson to the People of St. Clement’s, El Paso

Posted online, a letter from Bishop Jeffrey Steenson of the Diocese of the Rio Grande to the people of St. Clement's:

. . . You will be asked to vote on the question of dissolving your relationship with the Diocese of the Rio Grande and the Episcopal Church, because of the acute sense of alienation from the recent decisions and direction of the Episcopal Church and because of the concern that this relationship is inhibiting the ability of St. Clement’s to do effective ministry in El Paso.

Those of you who know me are well aware that I personally agree with the leadership of St. Clement’s about where the Episcopal Church seems to be heading. But as a bishop under the authority of this Church there are certain obligations and responsibilities to be observed. . .

. . . We are willing to try to find a negotiated settlement that may allow St. Clement’s to become an independent congregation with its existing facilities. But we also have a fiduciary duty to the Episcopal Church, and so any solution we might propose requires that we in good faith have considered the mission of the Diocese and consulted with the Presiding Bishop’s office to represent the Episcopal Church’s interests. I am very concerned that civil litigation might follow St. Clement’s actions, because we have a clear word from God about this, in I Corinthians 6. The work of the Gospel is absolutely not served by lawsuits of this type. St. Paul’s counsel is that all the parties work patiently and diligently within the Church for resolution.

Because I respect the spiritual integrity of St. Clement’s as a vibrant Christian community, I will not pursue a “divide and conquer” strategy that has been used elsewhere to isolate the so-called “dissidents.” Nevertheless, I have a pastoral responsibility for those members of St. Clement’s who might find themselves in the position of wanting to remain in the Episcopal Church, should a strong majority of the congregation vote otherwise. . .

Bishop Steenson serves as the DEPO bishop for my parish in San Diego. I'm sure this situation weighs heavy on his heart.

H/t to TitusOneNine.

Read it all.