Three statements stand out in support of Bishop Duncan in the wake of Schori’s phony “deposition” of him.
First, a statement from the Primate of the Southern Cone, Gregory Venables:
"As was resolved by resolution made at the Provincial Synod in Valparaiso last November 2007, we are happy to welcome Bishop Duncan into the Province of the Southern Cone as a member of our House of Bishops, effective immediately. Neither the Presiding Bishop nor the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church has any further jurisdiction over his ministry. We pray for all Anglicans in Pittsburgh as they consider their own relationship with The Episcopal Church in the coming weeks."
In a manner that is to the point and understated, yet at the same time in-your-face, his statement addresses well Schori’s attempts to bully even those who have already left the Episcopal Church. And he strongly implies that he and Bishop Duncan will go on about their business whether she likes it or not. Only a wonderful Englishman like ++Venables can pull that off so well and in so few words. It brings a smile to my face.
Bishop Iker is also one who can say what needs to be said in few words. And he does so again :
“In spite of the sham deposition of Bishop Robert Duncan by the TEC House of Bishops, he remains the formidable leader of traditional Episcopalians and loyal Anglicans in North America. Both in his role as Moderator of the Anglican Communion Network and as the lead Bishop in the Common Cause Partnership, Bishop Duncan continues to have the respect of a majority of the Primates and bishops of the entire Anglican Communion, including the Archbishop of Canterbury. In an effort to silence him, this action has only given him greater credibility as the leader of the realignment movement.”
Finally, there is the gracious statement of ++Anis, which needs no further comment from me.
My Dear Bishop Duncan,
Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
It is with great sadness that I have learnt of your deposition by the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church in the U.S.
It is with great joy that I welcome you alongside the ranks of St. Athanasius who, as Bishop of Alexandria, was deposed and exiled from his see. St. Athanasius did not waver and stood firm. History proved that his stance for orthodoxy was not in vain. I trust it will do the same for you! So please count it as honor my brother.
I don’t know what to call it, a tragedy or comedy, for the faithful to be disciplined by those who tear the fabric of our Anglican Communion.
Please be assured of my support and that the Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa will continue recognize you as a faithful bishop. You are faithful to Jesus Christ, to the Church catholic, to the Anglican Communion, to the Windsor Process, and to your diocese. I find no fault in this. I trust that you will continue the ministry to which God has called you.
The true test of orthodoxy is not in the leader you may follow (1 Cor. 1:12), it is in the faith once delivered (Jude 1:3), the faith founded in Jesus Christ, the faith you were baptized into, catechized through and the faith you live out. Thank you for your faithful witness to Jesus Christ in spite of the opposition.
Please be assured of my prayers and my love to you and Nara, and to the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
May the Lord bless you!
Yours in Christ,
+Mouneer Egypt
Amen!
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