A
Statement from Bishop Frade on the
Election in the Diocese
of New Hampshire
The election by the Diocese of New Hampshire of the first openly gay man
to be chosen as a bishop in the Episcopal Church has been greeted with strong
reactions, both positive and negative. Under the Canons of the Episcopal
Church, this election, because it took place within 120 days of a General
Convention, is one of several that must be ratified by General Convention
before the electing diocese can continue the process towards the ordination
and consecration of the person selected.
As
a bishop I have always prayerfully sought God's will and
guidance, and that will be the case with the decisions I
will have to
make regarding the ratification of any of the recent episcopal
elections. Our diocese is one of unusual diversity of cultures
and opinions, and our deputies have been chosen out of
this diversity and hear its voices, even as they also listen
for
God’s voice. I know that they and the rest of the House
of Deputies, as well as the House of Bishops, at General
Convention
this summer will treat the prayerful selection by the electing
dioceses with equal prayer and respect.
We
do not need to fear controversy or opposing views; our Anglican
heritage has been strengthened by diversity and dissent. Let
us remember, too, that in dealing with controversial issues,
the church has always found a way to discover and follow God's
will, as long as we do not allow the differences that divide
us to distract us from what unites us—our vision and mission
as God’s people. God has guided us in the past, and I am sure
that if we are ready to listen for his voice in our conversations
with our brothers and sisters, he will guide us this summer
as we consider issues that now seem so difficult, confusing
and divisive.
I
ask you to remember that the ratification of episcopal elections
is only one part of the work of General Convention; there will
be a multitude of choices to make about how the Episcopal Church
is to carry out the mission to which our Lord calls us. I ask
your constant prayers for the unity of our church, and for
those who will make these important decisions, especially for
your bishops and your deputies, as we listen for the revealing
of God’s will for his Church.
+Leo Frade
Bishop of Southeast Florida
