A S.C. Layman who worked as a College President Writes Bishop Daniel and the Province IV Bishops
Please note that what follows is the cover letter written to Bishop Daniel first, and this is then followed by the full letter to all the bishops--KSH.
Dear Bishop Daniel:
As a lay person and retired college president (3 church-related liberal arts colleges over 24 years), I read with care your letter representing the Bishops of Province IV. After spending time in prayer, I have written an open letter to the Bishops of Province IV. I am hopeful that you will forward this letter to the other Bishops as an example of one lay person's assessment of what is happening in and to our Diocese of South Carolina. I know that Bishop Lawrence is deeply sensitive to the impact of what is happening in The Episcopal Church on the laity of our diocese.
Just as faculty members and deans debate intellectual issues in higher education with a fervor that might ignore the needs of students, I worry that clergy and bishops debate theological issues with a fervor that might ignore the needs of parishioners. I hope that as you meet with Bishop Lawrence that you will hold in your thoughts and heart that there are people in every pew in every Episcopal church in our country and world who are hurting, confused, frightened, and desperate for a message of hope, love and reconciliation.
You and all the Bishops in Province IV, including Bishop Lawrence, will be in my and many laypersons' minds, hearts, and prayers this coming week.
Shalom,
Peter
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