In responding to a request for alternative episcopal oversight from seven priests, the Bishop of Florida is consulting widely and is aware that many Episcopalians will be affected by whatever decision he announces, according to a diocesan spokesperson, Paul Van Brunt. Earlier this week, the Rt. Rev. John Howard briefed the standing committee on the situation at a regularly scheduled meeting.

“This is not a trivial decision,” Mr. Van Brunt said. “It’s not just about the seven priests. This will affect roughly 2,000 parishioners as well.”

During a meeting with Bishop Howard on June 16, the Rev. Jim McCaslin, All Souls’ Church, Jacksonville; the Rev. Neil Lebhar, Redeemer, Jacksonville; the Rev. David Sandifer, Calvary, Jacksonville; the Rev. Samuel Pascoe, Grace, Orange Park; the Rev. C. Alexander Farmer, St. Michael’s, Gainesville; the Rev. James Needham, Community of Life, Tallahassee; and the Rev. Robert Sanders, Jacksonville Anglican Fellowship, a newly formed congregation, delivered their request in writing, asking for a response within one month.

Mr. Van Brunt said on July 14 that Bishop Howard had not yet reached a decision, but was aware of the need for a timely response. “It may not be exactly 30 days, but it won’t be 90 either,” he said. “The request is a first for the bishop. He is looking through DEPO [the House of Bishops’ statement on Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight], the Windsor Report and the communiqué [by the primates after their meeting in Northern Ireland last February].”

The clergy said they differed with Bishop Howard because the Diocese of Florida continues to send funds to support the programs of the General Convention budget, and because Bishop Howard continues to participate in eucharistic fellowship with the House of Bishops, particularly Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.

“We believe that your public commitment to remain at the holy table with them ties us as priests and congregations to the 'yeast' of immorality and false teaching in an unacceptable way. We are convinced that this is a salvation issue, for we believe the consecration and ministry of V. Gene Robinson repudiates traditional teachings about repentance, grace, sanctification, holiness and discipline regarding the sacraments,” the priests said in their letter.

The website for the Diocese of Florida is available by clicking here

A press release from the seven priests and a copy of their entire letter to Bishop Howard are both available by clicking here

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