A Pastoral Letter

August 18, 2003

The Rt. Rev. Francis C. Gray
Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2-3.

I was reminded of this passage by my friend, Alden Hathaway, retired Bishop of Pittsburgh, who wrote a compelling vision statement published last week.

So many of you have contacted me, sharing your pain, anger, sadness, and, in some cases, joy over the recent actions of General Convention. This convention gave consent to the consecration of Canon Gene Robinson, and passed a controversial resolution which, in the eyes of some, gave tacit consent to local option for blessing of same-gender unions. I am opposed to the confirmation of Canon Robinson and to the blessing of same-gender unions because they represent a fundamental departure from the Biblical witness and the received tradition of the Church. This action departs from almost all the rest of Christendom, as well as from the tenets of the religions of the Book – Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

In addition, the Anglican Communion in its moral teachings, reaffirmed in several Lambeth Conference documents, states that sexual intimacy is only appropriate for a man and a woman in marriage. Although many have fallen short of this, it is still the teaching of the Church.

These are difficult times but not as difficult as life in many parts of the world. In the Sudan, where Shariah law is imposed, the Episcopal Church’s recent decision may be used against Christians. Our lives are much less stressful than the lives of people in northern Nigeria, where churches are burned and lives are sacrificed in witness to the Gospel. We live in country where we can speak our minds and hearts without fear of physical harm.

I am privileged to minister in a diocese which respects my opinion. I serve under the authority of a bishop, Peter James Lee, who encourages me to speak the truth, as I know it, even when my opinions are different from his and others in the Diocese of Virginia. Bishop Lee welcomes the diversity of this wonderful diocese.

It is a challenge and an honor to serve as a bishop in the Church. A much greater challenge was faced by Archbishop Janani Luwum in Uganda some years ago. I give my convictions. He gave his life.

I am sorry that some of you who have written believe you must leave this Church and go elsewhere. I will be staying where I have been called to serve. Several reasons are:

1. At my ordination as bishop I vowed to “guard the faith, unity and discipline of the Church.”

2. I worship the living God and not the institutional church. As stated in a favorite hymn – “On Christ the solid rock I stand.” There is no perfect Church. The Church has erred in the past and will do so again. The theological concept of the indefectibility of the Church supports this. When in error, the Church will, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, correct herself.

3. In my opinion, when people leave a church or an organization, they abandon the field of debate to those they consider to be wrong. Elijah was upbraided by God himself for attempting to abandon Israel. When Elijah wanted to run, God reminded the self-consumed prophet that there were 7,000 people in Israel who were faithful, who had not received a direct message from God, and who Elijah was willing to abandon. (I Kings 19:9-18)

I hope this response is helpful. If I can be of further help, I would be most willing to do so. I will continue to pray for you all. May God bless you as you seek the mind of Christ in your life.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. Francis C. Gray
Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia