FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 5, 2003

The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Frank Griswold, acted prudently today to delay the vote in the House of Bishops on the election of Canon Gene Robinson and to establish a committee to investigate allegations against the bishop coadjutor-elect.  Canon Robinson rightfully deserves a careful hearing of the Church.

Yet no matter what the hearings determine, it is still our firm belief that Canon Robinson is not suitable to be a bishop in the Episcopal Church -- for theological, biblical and doctrinal reasons.

We sincerely hope that this controversy will not prevent the Episcopal Church from debating the core biblical issues that are before us, such as the doctrine of marriage, the authority of scripture and the unity of the Church.

It is our continued prayer that the Episcopal Church will not choose to endorse homosexual behavior by approving Canon Robinson's election or the development of liturgies for same-sex "blessings."  As Archbishop Peter Akinola, Primate of Nigeria, recently said:  "the issues are two sides to the same coin."  We believe approval of either will devastatingly shatter the Anglican family.