August 8, 2003

The Anglican Church of the Southern Cone deeply regrets the vote by ECUSA's General Convention to confirm the appointment of a bishop who is a practicing homosexual. Sadly this decision ignores the mind of the Anglican Communion as set out by the Lambeth Conference in 1998 in its Resolution 1.10. as well as the clearly expressed view of the Anglican Primates when they met in Brazil in  May of this year. The Convention's vote is contrary to the clear teaching of Holy Scripture and the Anglican formularies about marriage. If the consecration  of Canon Robinson proceeds, the Convention will be taking ECUSA outside the boundaries of the Anglican Communion. This will cause great distress not only in  North America but also across the Anglican family world-wide. Conservative and orthodox Primates of the Communion will be meeting soon to consider what action to take. Dioceses and parishes in the United States who wish to remain  loyal to the Anglican Communion will be also considering their position in the coming weeks. We offer them our support and prayers and call upon the wholenChurch to pray earnestly that God will have mercy on His church.

Bishop Gregorio Venables

Primate of the Southern Cone of South America.

Date Created: 8/13/2003 6:26:00 PM