In his final convention address as Bishop of Florida, the Rt. Rev. Stephen H. Jecko said the diocese was preparing to weather a growing crisis within the Anglican Communion.

“One common rumor which I’d like to put to rest is that I am leading this diocese out of the Episcopal Church,” he said. “I have neither the desire nor the authority to do what only two successive conventions of this diocese can do. I do, however, believe that a rigorous realignment is in order — a realignment of how the Episcopal Church pursues the great commission, of how the Episcopal Church respects scriptural, canonical and constitutional authority, and how the Episcopal Church chooses to engage all aspects of its relationships with the provinces of the Anglican Communion.”

Striking a somber chord, Bishop Jecko joined the Rt. Rev. John W. Howe, Bishop of Central Florida, in calling for Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold and others to resign.

“I call on those bishops who shared in the laying-on-of-hands at New Hampshire on November 2 to re-examine their consciences in light of their ordination vows, and to repent of the action. If they will not repent then those still receiving a check for their active ministry ought to consider resignation from their office for their conscience and soul’s sake.”

The diocese heeded Bishop Jecko’s call, adopting four resolutions rebuking General Convention for consenting to the consecration of the Bishop Coadjutor of New Hampshire; redirecting diocesan giving, permitting parishes to decide what portion, if any, would be forwarded to the Episcopal Church; authorizing the diocesan ecclesiastical authority to provide parishes outside of the diocese with alternative episcopal oversight; and restating the place of traditional Anglican formularies in setting the parameters of the faith.