Pastoral Letter after the Robinson Confirmation

August 10, 2003

Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Today, we find ourselves grieving deeply over the departure of the Episcopal Church from “the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” (Jude 3). By ratifying the episcopal election of the Rev. Gene Robinson, an openly gay man, the deputies and bishops who gathered at the Episcopal Church’s 74th General Convention have declared that such a way of life demonstrates “a wholesome example for the entire flock of Christ.” Their adopting Resolution C051, which states in a key paragraph: “. . . we recognize that local faith communities are operating within the bounds of our common life as they explore and experience liturgies celebrating and blessing same-sex union,” is flagrantly unacceptable.

These actions have placed us in a grave crisis with the Church we love. For the bishops and deputies at General Convention to set aside the authority and clear teaching of scripture is breathtaking in its audacity. Their choosing to depart from the unbroken tradition of the Christian Church, and their disregard for the convictions of the majority of Anglicans around the world, is stunning in its arrogance.

These actions will in no way change the clear biblical standards upon which our teaching, practice and discipline at Church of the Apostles are built. We will remain true to the historic faith and practice that has characterized the common life of the Anglican church for centuries, and continues to do so for the vast majority of our members and their leaders worldwide.

Many of us are not only grieving: our consciences are violated by being in association with a national Church that is so gravely in error. I have written a letter to Bishop Lee (see copy) dissociating ourselves from its decisions. I invite you to add your signature to the sheet that has been placed in the narthex.

Several of you have asked about whether you can, in good conscience, allow a portion of your tithe to support the work of the Diocese of Virginia. The Vestry will prayerfully address how to guide you in this regard. In the meantime, write “COA only” in the memo section of your check should you wish to restrict your giving to the support of this congregation.

In difficult times such as this, passions run high. Some of you may be feeling a desire to leave Church of the Apostles because of our association with the Episcopal Church. I would urge you to ask God to help you remain. This is a time for us to stay together in unbroken unity, to pray and seek the Lord together, and to move together in the way that He will lead by His Spirit. There is strength in unity.

The actions of the General Convention have already caused such an earthquake around the Anglican Communion that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has called for an emergency meeting of all the primates in October. The American Anglican Council (AAC), with which we are affiliated, will be holding a large meeting for bishops and clergy and lay leaders in Plano, Texas, early October, to strategize and plan. I have been, and will be, in close consultation with colleagues over the next weeks and months. As we walk together with friends such as these, God will make His will abundantly clear to us. His plan for us is not to harm us, but to give us a hope and a future.

May God have mercy on His Church.

Yours in the grace, mercy and love of the Lord Jesus,

The Rev. David Harper
Rector
Church of the Apostles, Fairfax