From the American Anglican Council

Message from Bishop David Anderson  Bishop Anderson Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Last week I wrote about the sexual misconduct allegations in a political campaign, the ongoing investigation into the Penn State child molestation charges, and the exact nature of the role, whatever it was, of then Bishop of Nevada Katharine Jefferts Schori, now the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church (TEC), in accepting into TEC's priesthood a Roman Catholic priest who had previously been cited for sexual misconduct in the Roman Catholic Church. The Presiding Bishop has now released her official statement, essentially saying that she was careful and diligent and did everything right.  It's a nice piece of writing, but it isn't adequate; what would be adequate is an independent panel to fully investigate the moral debacle and fairly and judiciously determine where any guilt should be placed, and what consequences should follow. Nothing less than this will satisfy those whose lives have been harmed by clergy sexual misconduct, and those who watch how the church closes rank and protects itself from honest information getting out to the public regarding such cases. I might suggest that an investigative panel NOT include ANY bishops, and consist equally of men and women, laity and priests. As almost anyone could tell the folks in the TEC corporate offices at 815 2nd Ave. in New York, these things don't go away unless they are fully and completely dealt with. Normally, I would say the PB needs to "man up," but in Jefferts Schori's case I'm not sure what the appropriate feminine word equivalent would be. New TEC Bishop in DC Perhaps this section's title should be THIS BUDDE'S NOT FOR YOU!, reversing a popular adult beverage's advertising slogan. The newly consecrated Bishop of Washington, DC is Mariann Budde, and her goal is to make the diocese a stronger voice for liberal revisionist Christianity. Never say things can't get worse! Budde may well make past bishop John Chane look reasonable and moderate, which would be no small feat. Based onremarks made to the Washington Post, Bishop Budde at one time considered those who believe Jesus' teaching on salvation, including his statement, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, and none come unto the Father except through me," to be too narrow and exclusive.

It would not be surprising to find that DC has elected a universalist, who allows for many ways to God, which is very popular in many parts of the Episcopal Church these days. Some parts of the Episcopal Church, however, remain solidly orthodox from an Anglican and Christian standpoint - but they have been under attack from the Episcopal Church's top leaders. They are nevertheless standing their ground. Diocese of South Carolina There was an interesting development in the Diocese of South Carolina this week. A Quit Claim Deed to the parish property was mailed to every parish in the diocese from Chancellor Wade Logan on Wednesday (the fact that it was coming I understand was announced to the clergy present at the clergy conference on Tuesday night). In Mr. Bishop Lawrence Logan's letter, the following explanation was given: "For 190 years (1789-1979) there had never been any idea that somehow the parishes did not completely and fully own their property. Our Supreme Court has now said that the attempt to change that in 1979 by the General Convention was not binding on the parish of All Saints, Pawley's Island, SC.  In recognition of that ruling, and in continued pursuit of our historic unity based on common vision rather than legal coercion, the Diocesan Convention removed the relevant section from our canons in October 2010. The issuance of these quitclaim deeds lays to rest any lingering issue that may exist for some parishes when they seek to obtain title insurance or secure bank financing for parish projects. Parishes may choose to file them or not based on their individual needs. We trust this action will enable parishes to freely exercise their rights and responsibility to oversee that which God, through the faithfulness of prior generations, has bequeathed to them." Why would Bishop Lawrence and the diocesan leadership take such a step? I believe it was out of a desire to preserve the legacy of the gospel in the parishes, as well as to keep the parishes together with the diocese as the means by which the good news of Jesus could be proclaimed. (The fact is that without such deeds some individual parishioners and particular churches would not feel protected from potential threats). You and I both know that both the diocese and the bishop are under growing pressure from the national church leadership.  We also know that exactly those leaders will countenance all sorts of ruinous teaching of Christian doctrine and life, but suddenly when it comes to questions of property they insist that their new line (which is out of step with Episcopal polity and history) be toed. Please join me in praying for South Carolina, that they may have a vibrant and unencumbered Anglican future for the gospel. There may be breaking news this next week as events in the Episcopal Church continue to unfold, so continue to check the AAC website for updates as they come in. Blessings and peace in Christ Jesus, The Rt. Rev. David C. Anderson, Sr. President and CEO, American Anglican Council