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A Pastoral letter to the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of the Rio Grande To all God's beloved in the Diocese of the Rio Grande, who are called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
steadfastness and faithfulness in these times of change and uncertainties. The recent news from Vatican City announcing that Pope Benedict XVI has named my predecessor Father Jeffery Neil Steenson to lead the new "Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter" has evoked in some a sense of disillusionment, betrayal,
sadness, and confusion. May I offer several reflections that I pray will be spiritually beneficial as you begin to learn more about the nature and purpose of this unprecedented invitation to disaffected Anglicans and
Episcopalians.
Baptism, as we affirm in our baptismal covenant. Differences among Christian denominations and
ecclesiologies, whether theological, doctrinal, ethical/moral, or disciplinary perspectives, have their historical roots in the controversies of the early Churches of Sts. Peter and Paul. And yet, Christ's Catholic Church
continues its witness throughout the ages being bound, not by differences, but by a single shared mission and life-giving Gospel. We should never be disillusioned by disaffections, but rather become more conscious of how, with integrity, we can learn from others and continue to love, respect, and live with our neighbors,
despite our personal or communal differences.
member Anglican fellowship, which has its apostolic historic roots in the Church of England and the See of Canterbury, which originated with St. Augustine in the year 597, will continue to witness to a uniquely vibrant 4304 Carlisle Blvd. NE 'We are a missionaiy people. " 505-881 -0636 FAX: 505-883-9048
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
steadfastness and faithfulness in these times of change and uncertainties. The recent news from Vatican City announcing that Pope Benedict XVI has named my predecessor Father Jeffery Neil Steenson to lead the new "Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter" has evoked in some a sense of disillusionment, betrayal,
sadness, and confusion. May I offer several reflections that I pray will be spiritually beneficial as you begin to learn more about the nature and purpose of this unprecedented invitation to disaffected Anglicans and
Episcopalians.
Baptism, as we affirm in our baptismal covenant. Differences among Christian denominations and
ecclesiologies, whether theological, doctrinal, ethical/moral, or disciplinary perspectives, have their historical roots in the controversies of the early Churches of Sts. Peter and Paul. And yet, Christ's Catholic Church
continues its witness throughout the ages being bound, not by differences, but by a single shared mission and life-giving Gospel. We should never be disillusioned by disaffections, but rather become more conscious of how, with integrity, we can learn from others and continue to love, respect, and live with our neighbors,
despite our personal or communal differences.
member Anglican fellowship, which has its apostolic historic roots in the Church of England and the See of Canterbury, which originated with St. Augustine in the year 597, will continue to witness to a uniquely vibrant
imperatives proclaiming Christ Jesus as living Lord of the universal Church. We, laity and clergy, humbly rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in renewing our doctrine, discipline, and worship. Our life in communion is shaped in ways deemed Godly and appropriate by General Convention, as well as life-giving for all people in the age in which we now live. The catholic tradition, as Anglicanism has understood and embraced it, is a
living tradition of Christ's redemptive love, and not a cherished relic or practice of a past age. Again, a study of Christian history clearly shows us that what may have been normative in faith and doctrine in one age may not be normative for another. The gifts and charisma of our Anglican heritage have been and continue to be essential pats of the One Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. After discussing the Church's controversies of the day, a wise and progressive Roman Catholic Cardinal once said to me in Rome: "Padre Michele, the Anglican Church's struggles with change is the wind behind the sails of the Roman Church."
With every change comes a great personal price. Our Anglican Archbishop Michael Ramsey once commented that change was the spiritual burden and charisma the Anglican tradition carried. Of course, as a convinced Anglican who lived in Rome for eighteen years, I agree. Church history has proven this in other controversies time and again.
questioning your faith tradition, I pray that it gives way to trust that ultimately God's will always prevails, and that, in God's good time, the Church's definitive future will be revealed.
increasingly joining congregations; college students and young adults are rediscovering the excitement and grace of a lively faith; displaced and outcast people are feeling welcomed and coming to our communities; and our national and international Church's mission and outreach ministries are touching the lives of millions. In short, the Episcopal Church is alive and growing. We wish our brothers and sisters peace; however, for me and so many others it is a blessed and exciting time to be an Episcopalian.
