With a pastoral “Message to the Episcopal Church” and a resolution designating three council members as observers to a convening meeting later this month of the many diocesan Via Media groups, Executive Council implored Episcopalians to remain in “passionate patience” with each other while it also sought to remain engaged with any new political developments.

Council members Edgar K. Byham of Newark, Sandra McPhee of Chicago and the Rev. Kwasi Thornell of Southern Ohio will attend the convening meeting of the various Via Media opposition groups that have arisen in a number of dioceses which have formed the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes (NACDP).

Joan R. Gundersen, a spokesperson for Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh, said meeting organizers had extended the invitation to Executive Council because its membership wanted to hear directly from someone at the national church what options and rights each group possesses within their respective dioceses.