Stating that concerns about the Episcopal Church are “quite properly addressed” to him, Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold said he was not aware that the group of 21 bishops who wrote him on April 6 also had made an “urgent request” the same day for a meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury.

“It seems to me extremely discourteous to me and to the office I hold on your behalf, not to inform me or send me a copy of what you submitted to the Archbishop,” Bishop Griswold wrote in a letter to the bishops published by Episcopal News Service. “I must also ask myself why an appeal was made to Canterbury before receiving a response from me.”

Concluding that “there is a fundamental difference of opinion among you,” Bishop Griswold has asked the bishops to respond individually with an indication of their motivation before he proceeds further.

“Some of you are clearly committed to the ongoing life of the Episcopal Church and are eager to find the best way forward,” he wrote. “Others among you question if, in fact, there is a way forward other than walking apart from the Episcopal Church while seeking a way to remain within the Anglican Communion.”

In their letter to Bishop Griswold, the group sought the establishment of a bipartisan task force to address “the question of our ability to walk together with one another and in a wider Communion.” The Very Rev. George L. Werner, president of the House of Deputies, told The Living Church that “the Presiding Bishop and I will be appointing a special committee to consider all issues concerned with the Anglican Communion.” Further details, he added, would be available at the conclusion of a meeting at the Episcopal Church Center in New York City next week.

To read the ENS article and the letter Bishop Griswold sent to the bishops, click here.

Read these related articles:

· Letters Express Bishops' Concerns to Archbishop of Canterbury, Presiding Bishop

· Bishops Request Emergency Meeting with Archbishop of Canterbury

· Bishops Affirm Loyalty to Communion

· Council to Send Observers to ACC Meeting

· Archbishop of Canterbury Commends Executive Council Letter

· Bishop Sauls: Firm Desire to Remain in Communion

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