A Pastoral Letter to the Clergy and People
of the Diocese of Chicago
November 18, 2003
Dear Sisters and
Brothers in Christ,
I have waited to write you about the General Convention and subsequent events
until I could more fully assess their implications for all of us who are a part
of the Episcopal Church.
As you know, at this summer's meeting of The General Convention, the bishops and
deputies consented to the election of the Rev. Canon V. Gene Robinson as bishop
coadjutor of the Diocese of New Hampshire. On Sunday, November 2nd, Canon
Robinson was consecrated as bishop. Because Bishop Robinson is a homosexual
living in a committed relationship, his election, the subsequent consent at
Convention, and consecration have been viewed as courageous and faithful by some
and as unfaithful and sinful by others in our Church.
Two related events have occurred after this summer's Convention. In early
October, a meeting of concerned laity and clergy met under the auspices of the
American Anglican Council in Dallas, Texas. The American Anglican Council (AAC)
is an organization which advocates a conservative perspective on issues of
theology, ethics, and church life. It was formed to promote its agenda in the
Episcopal Church in 1996. I have consistently believed that its voice was an
important one to be articulated, even when I disagreed with it. However, it has
become clear that the agenda of the AAC has evolved. I was quite distressed that
their meeting in Dallas required prior agreement to a narrow statement of faith
and that they declined to accept the Presiding Bishop's team of observers. The
meeting concluded with agreement on a seven-point "Call to Action". While the
first five points were a statement of belief, which is theirs to make, the sixth
point was a call to redirect financial support and use money as a weapon in
theological debate. The seventh point is most disturbing, appealing to the
Primates of the Anglican Communion to make provisions for "orthodox" bishops to
extend Episcopal oversight, pastoral care, and apostolic mission across current
diocesan boundaries.
This particular appeal was directed to the meeting of Anglican Primates convened
several days later in London. From all accounts, this was a challenging meeting.
The primates acknowledged deep disagreement. However, it is clear that there is
a strong desire to bridge these differences. The Primates issued a statement
critical of the actions of General Convention. They called on the Archbishop of
Canterbury to create a commission to suggest ways to maintain the unity of the
Anglican Communion and to look into provisions for alternate Episcopal oversight
for those who feel they lack adequate Episcopal care. This group, which includes
one American and no openly gay persons, is to report back in a year.
Our presiding bishop has responded in a spirit of collegiality, yet within a
firm understanding of our polity and traditional understanding of diocesan
autonomy and the role of bishops. He distinguishes between "alternate Episcopal
oversight" and "supplemental Episcopal pastoral care". I agree with his
assessment and the previously articulated plans for such extension of pastoral
care in extraordinary circumstances as articulated by the House of Bishops in
March of 2002. This provision is presently being updated and will be brought
before the next meeting of the House of Bishops in March in Texas for possible
approval.
In the meantime, I believe it is most important to inform you how I will respond
should congregations desire pastoral care from a bishop other than Bishop
Scantlebury or me. I welcome any of our congregations to invite bishops from
other dioceses to come into their congregations for a visit. When congregations
desire pastoral and liturgical visitation from a bishop from another
jurisdiction, I expect that they will follow the appropriate canonical
procedures and request permission from me for such a visit. Those bishops would
be extended my hospitality and courtesy, and I would anticipate receiving the
same in return. However, visiting bishops would come as guests, not as
overseers. While respecting the opinions of the Primates, and for that matter,
members of the American Anglican Council, I will continue the pastoral direction
and oversight of all our congregations. It is to that task that you called me
four and one half years ago. I have worked hard to be bishop to all the people.
I am committed to our diocese being a diverse community, including a diversity
of opinion on human sexuality. My opinions on sexuality are not a central
burning issue in the proclamation of the gospel and our servant ministry.
Maintaining our unity and witness in the Body of Christ and bringing Jesus to
those who are hurting and lonely are at the heart of our mission.
These are challenging times for our Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
Differences will continue. Some new members will join our Episcopal Churches;
some people may leave. I will grieve the loss of those who do. The answer is not
"alternate Episcopal oversight", which is schism and separation under a
different name. To break apart in this way is contrary to the best of our
tradition and would be a tragic response to a particular issue.
Regardless of what happens in the Anglican Communion or in other dioceses, I
know that all of our congregations will continue to be places of Good News and
hope. I pray that our diocese will be an example to the larger Church and world
of a community that loves one another in spite of our differences - where
seemingly divergent ideas are held in tension as we advance the ministry of
Jesus Christ. To assist in this work, I enclose information on Episcopal
oversight. My office is assembling a more comprehensive resource packet to help
us to continue the conversation on sexuality, the authority of Scripture, and
ways to move towards reconciliation. We are organizing opportunities for
continuing conversations throughout our diocese. I believe that by doing this we
will be stronger for these challenging times. If we can stay focused on our
mission, which is God's mission of reconciliation, our best years are ahead of
us.
Our recent Diocesan Convention powerfully called us to unity in the Body of
Christ and to faithfulness in our mission. It was also apparent that some of our
clergy and laity are very pained and distressed by the ordination of Bishop
Robinson. I would suggest that our conversations about the issues we face as a
church take place across parish boundaries to bring together a rich variety of
understandings and experiences. We can all learn from each other as we face the
current reality in which we find ourselves. As the Church has discovered from
biblical times: if this is not of God it will fail. If it is of God we cannot,
and should not, try to oppose it.
Please know that I hold you in my prayers. May God give us all peace and
understanding as we listen to each other, love one another, and grow in God's
grace, especially in these challenging times.
Faithfully yours,
Rt. Rev. William D. Persell
Bishop of Chicago
Love
God, neighbor and enemy. 
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