August 12, 2007

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Kirk Stevan Smith, Bishop of Arizona

Dear Bishops Jefferts Schori and Smith,

            The vestry members, team leaders, and clergy of the Episcopal Church of the Apostles in Oro Valley, AZ wish to offer our support to the House of Bishops regarding its recent response to the February 2007 Primates’ Communiqué.

            After thorough and prayerful study of the precipitating issues, as well as study of the formation of the Anglican Communion, we have come to the consensus that the purpose and structure of the Anglican Communion does not allow any group or individual authority over how other provinces govern themselves. The mutually beneficial network of the Anglican Communion should continue as it was established to allow all provinces, including the Episcopal Church of the United States, the independence to govern themselves according to their mutually accepted polity.

            We realize that there has been “a strain of the bonds of mutual affection” within the Anglican Communion resulting from disparate interpretations and differing hermeneutics regarding many aspects of moral and ethical behavior. At the Church of the Apostles, we have recently very intentionally embraced our own diversity of theological and political views among our members in what has been at times a very painful and challenging experience.

            We know from this experience what the strain of affection feels like, and we are experiencing the tension that results from disagreements over worship and music style, theology in our liturgy, and how we treat each other in public debate over something very precious to us - our church. But we believe that such diversity of views – “agreeing to disagree” while remaining in community and communion – is the mandate and gift of our Anglican heritage.

            It is our hope that by offering our support to you our bishops, and by taking an official stand as the leaders of our congregation, we can facilitate the ongoing dialogue that is needed to allow our entire communion to live into the broad and courageous legacy that is the Anglican Church.
           
Respectfully and Faithfully Yours,

The Vestry Members, Team Leaders and Clergy of Apostles Church, Oro Valley, AZ