St. Peter’s Anglican Church

July 17, 2009

An Open Letter to Believing Episcopalians

The Living Church recently chimed in on the extraordinary events taking place at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention underway in Anaheim California. Ultimately, the House of Bishops considered (ultimately for not so long) a quick and bold retreat from a progressive agenda after having brought fire down upon itself from around the world for abandoning its commitment to the Anglican Communion.

The hesitation over endorsing gay blessings comes not from a lack of votes for passage, or from fears of an international backlash from the Anglican Communion or the Archbishop of Canterbury. Rather, there is a sense that the progressive agenda can only go so far before a second conservative exodus takes place.

Episcopal believers take note. Nothing should offend you more! The Episcopal Church might hedge. Why? For lack of votes? No the majority is 2:1 or better. For fear of being exiled from the Anglican Communion? No. Indeed through the Presiding Bishop, the American church has not only given the proverbial finger to the Communion, they have insulted the Archbishop of Canterbury personally laying the blame for division at his feet.

Why then consider, even momentarily, hedging on the radical agenda? To enjoy your fellowship? No. You are bigots and anathema to them. They have hounded out those like you and defrocked your priests and bishops in droves. And absent a conscience clause more persecution looms large.

Why then?

Because they need you, bible believing, God fearing, mission minded, ministry engaged people. Without you and your dollars the national church will implode. Another fifty churches and a diocese or two opt out and the naked emperor will be exposed. They cannot sustain their cause if you flee for cover and band together with others who believe what the church has always believed. You are not brothers and sisters in Christ. You are tithes. You are real estate. You are a means to an end. Nothing should offend you more.

There are churches, Anglican and otherwise, all around this country that will care for your soul without ever caring for your money. Find one and run to it.

The Rev. Dr. John D. Richardson, Senior Pastor

St. Peter’s Anglican Church, AMiA