FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 3, 2003

The American Anglican Council (AAC) is deeply grieved by the decision today of the House of Deputies to give consent to the election by New Hampshire of Canon Gene Robinson as Bishop Coadjutor.  It is a tragic decision that leads the Episcopal Church to the brink of shattering the Anglican family. The Episcopal Church now has one foot outside the door.

But it is still not too late to turn back from schism.  We call upon the Bishops of the Episcopal Church to fulfill their apostolic obligation tomorrow and uphold the historic Christian faith by voting against the giving of consent to the election of Canon Gene Robinson.

We urge the Bishops of the Episcopal Church to spend the night in individual and corporate prayer and fasting.  They face an historic decision and the future unity of the Anglican Communion hangs in the balance.  It is our hope and prayer that they will choose Godly path - the path that leads to repentance, transformation and unity.