July 14, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Cynthia P. Brust
202-412-8721
 
A Statement from the American Anglican Council Condemning Seizure of St. John’s Church, Bristol by Bishop of Connecticut

Yesterday, the Rt. Rev. Andrew Smith, Bishop of Connecticut, issued an inhibition against the Rev. Mark Hansen, rector of St. John’s, Bristol and seized church property over the protest of the church’s elected lay leadership.  We believe there are serious questions regarding the canonical grounds upon which this inhibition was based as well as inconsistencies in the bishop’s explanation of his actions.  We are outraged that any bishop would seize control of a church without lengthy consultation with the vestry [elected church board], and to do so in the name of pastoral concern is unconscionable.  Bishop Smith has exhibited pastoral disregard for the leaders, members and clergy of St. John’s.  He also seems to display a lack of episcopal discretion and appears devoid of prudent counsel with which bishops are expected to carry out the historic and canonical role to which they are called.
 
In blatant disregard for the clear warning of the four Instruments of Anglican Unity to avoid doctrinal innovations on human sexuality, the Episcopal Church’s General Convention 2003 voted to approve the election as bishop of a man living in a same-gender relationship.  Bishop Smith voted for that measure, subsequently participated in the consecration of V. Gene Robinson, and advocates the blessing of same-sex unions.  In so doing, we believe he has abandoned the official teaching of the Anglican Communion.
 
The actions of revisionists within the Episcopal Church have resulted in an unprecedented crisis threatening the unity of the Anglican Communion.  Rather than seeking a way to reconcile with the large number of Episcopalians who stand against doctrinal innovations inconsistent with Holy Scripture, Bishop Smith has exacerbated this crisis immeasurably. In their February 2005 Communique, Primates of the Anglican Communion addressed the need for intervention in such situations.  “In order to protect the integrity and legitimate needs of groups in serious theological dispute with their diocesan bishop, or dioceses in dispute with their Provinces, we recommend that the Archbishop of Canterbury appoint, as a matter of urgency, a panel of reference to supervise the adequacy of pastoral provisions made by any churches for such members in line with the recommendation in the Primates’ Statement of October 2003.” 
 
We urge the recently appointed Panel of Reference to intercede without delay in this matter. We are deeply concerned that Bishop Smith’s actions yesterday are punitive in nature against a church and priest who have requested alternative episcopal oversight, and we fear the bishop will also seek to punish the other five churches in theological dispute with him.  We are convinced that it is vital to the health of St. John’s, the welfare of Father Hansen, the protection of faithful Episcopalians across the nation, and the unity of the Anglican Communion for abuses such as occurred in Connecticut to be confronted by the leadership of the Communion. If the Panel fails to intervene now, every church and priest who uphold the doctrine, discipline and order of Anglicanism in revisionist dioceses face imminent threat of unilateral, hostile takeovers and dubious inhibitions.
 
We pledge our full support to the faithful members of St. John’s, to Father Hansen, and to the Connecticut Six.  We have closely monitored the situation in Connecticut, visited the six parishes, and met with wardens, vestry persons and priests; therefore, we have first-hand knowledge of the situation and of the canon law issues involved. Based upon our own review of the facts, we consider the six parishes to be in full compliance with Episcopal Church national constitution and canons; we do not believe they have violated diocesan canons. Bishop Smith's actions and threats against these parishes, their lay leaders and priests can only be described as blatant attempts to force his own theological views of human sexuality on Godly people within the Anglican Communion.
 
Date: 7/14/2005