From the Bishop of Central NY

Dear David:

I hope this letter finds you well. I have not received any recent news about Elizabeth but she and your family continue to be held in my daily prayer.

It had been my fervent hope that the current difficulties would have been put to rest long before now and it is with a heavy heart that I write you this letter as I know what I am about to say will feel like punishment. I wish it were not so. Yet, I am duty-bound to adhere to the canonical process which has been put in place and, therefore, must address limitations which are called for in the Temporary Inhibition.

As you know, the language of the Temporary Inhibition includes the following statement:

You are hereby Temporarily Inhibited from the execution and performance of any and all actions and offices, sacramental or functional, associated with your ordination as a priest of this Church.

This language clearly prohibits your attendance at next week’s Clergy Conference. It also pertains to attendance at upcoming clergy gatherings including District Clericus meetings and any other clergy meetings which may be held while the Temporary Inhibition is in place. Your absence from these gatherings is required until the Temporary Inhibition is lifted and/or the investigation and canonical process is brought to its conclusion. I am, therefore, returning your registration fee for the clergy conference.

Since the Diocesan Convention is an open meeting, you may choose to attend the Convention as a guest, but you will not be given voice or vote. You will, of course, need to send in the appropriate registration form and accompanying fee.

It has come to my attention that the Rev. Tony Seel has nominated you for a seat on the Standing Committee. This nomination will not be placed on the ballot for Convention as it is not valid since serving as a member of the Standing Committee would constitute “the performance of… actions and offices… associated with your ordination as a priest of this Church.” Therefore, until the Temporary Inhibition is lifted and/or the investigation is complete and the canonical process brought to its conclusion, you may not run for or hold a seat on the Standing Committee, or any other committee or commission of the Church. I will contact Tony to let him know that we cannot accept his nomination and it would be advisable for you to let others know of this limitation. Should anyone nominate you from the floor of Convention, it would necessitate the Chancellor's reading of the Temporary Inhibition into the formal record of the proceedings. I trust neither of us would want the Temporary Inhibition to be a permanent record in the Diocesan Journal.

It is my daily prayer that Christ's reconciling grace will help heal our deep divide in the weeks and months to come.

Faithfully in Christ,

Gladstone B. Adams III

Bishop