To: The Clergy of the Diocese of Alabama
A Statement and Pastoral Direction by the Bishop of Alabama

May 5, Eastertide 2004

On April 20 I was advised that the vestry of one of our parishes voted on April 19 to join the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes. This decision was taken in spite of my clear and public counsel that I did not support the work of the Network and would not support their joining it.

In my judgment the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes is a divisive organization outside the canonical structures of the Episcopal Church, the charter of which is undermining of the good order and mission of this church. There are several reasons for this judgment, as follows:

• The Network charter states that it will "operate within the Constitution of the Episcopal Church," a statement that conspicuously omits reference to the Canons. The Canons enable the Constitution and are essential for the good order of the church. Its charter also seeks to appeal directly to the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury and of other Anglican provinces, rather .than the Episcopal Church. This is not in keeping with historic Anglican polity.
  
  
• The Network charter further states that the congregations within it "shall come under the spiritual authority of a bishop approved by the Steering Committee [of the Network]." This is a violation of the Constitution and Canons of our church, as well as the repeated resolutions of the Lambeth Conference supporting the geographical boundaries of dioceses, each under one bishop, in the Anglican Communion.
  
  
• The theological statement of the Network, "Confession and Calling of the Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes," is of a confessional nature foreign to Anglican tradition and beyond the scope of the Book of Common Prayer and its adherence to the historic Creeds and doctrine of the Church.
  
  
• Its Charter states that "all assets, of every kind and nature, held by the Network are and shall be dedicated and inured to the benefit' of the Network. This has the effect of diverting finds from the Episcopal Church and could potentially be interpreted to alienate property, contrary to the Canons of this church.
  
  
• A letter written by the Rev. Geoff Chapman of Sewickley, PA about the emerging strategy of the Network reveals its plans to undermine and attempt to supplant the Episcopal Church with "a 'replacement' jurisdiction with confessional standards." This letter has not been officially disclaimed by the network leadership, even though there has been adequate opportunity for them to do so. Many of the essential points of Chapman's letter are reflected in the charter. I have no choice but to believe that it accurately describes the Network's intentions.
  
  
• The Network consistently exhibits a disturbing pattern of secrecy that is in conflict with the great tradition of our church, which is committed to face to face, prayerful discussion of the tough issues of Christian faith and life.

As you can see, the above concerns have serious implications, which must be addressed.

The resolution passed by the vestry does affirm that they continue to submit our parish to the canonical authority of the Bishop of the Diocese of Alabama and to engage our parish as an active member of our diocese." This is an encouraging word and I acknowledge the vestry's good intention and faithfulness in stating this. Certainly this commitment is my desire and expectation for every parish in this diocese. Nevertheless some of the implications of the charter of the Network are in troubling conflict with this stated intention.

I wish to be clear that I do not welcome or support the work of this Network in the Diocese of Alabama. Neither this diocese nor I have presented any cause for such affiliation by our votes at the General Convention or by the policies and practices of this diocese on matters of human sexuality being debate in this church. We have striven to be faithful to the counsel of the 1998 Lambeth Conference and the established teaching of the church in these matters, and to respect the dignity of all.

While I well understand the disagreement within our church over certain actions of the General Convention and support open discussion at all times, I do not believe that the Network is a canonical or helpful response. A special commission appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury is presently addressing these matters.

This and the next Lambeth Conference will give us important guidance and significant work is being done in many quarters to address the important theological and moral questions that our church and society are facing. Our Lord promised that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things (John 14: 26), and 1 trust in the time tested structures of the church to help us discern the mind of Christ.

In the days to come I will be taking prayerful counsel to seek ways to work with this congregation and its rector and vestry to ensure its health and good order as a parish of this diocese. It is my hope that they will reconsider their decision to join the Network and be an ever more faithful and vital parish in full communion with this diocese. At Clergy Conference I was unexpectedly informed of another parish that has joined the Network without my knowledge. I will be addressing them in a similar way. I ask for your prayers in these efforts.

Furthermore as provided in the Canons, I give Pastoral Direction to the rectors of the parishes of the Diocese of Alabama that they are neither to join the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes in their capacity as rector, nor as rector to sign a parish application to affiliate with the Network, and, if they have done so, to remove their signatures thereto. I also direct any priest who may have an inclination to join the Network to speak to me before making any decision or t&hg any action to do so. Finally, as the Bishop of Alabama I cannot support the decision of any vestry to affiliate with the Network.

Please know that I am always available to talk with any and all of you about these important matters. Let us all pray, in the words of our Prayer Book, that our Risen Lord will fill his beloved church with all godly union and concord.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Henry N. Parsley Jr,