A NEW PRESIDING BISHOP,  by the Rector

When I was interviewed by the Calling Committee for the position of Rector of our parish one of the questions raised was would I take the parish out of the Episcopal Church. I thought this was an unusual question - why would I come 8,000 miles just to leave the Episcopal Church? And why become a congregationalist when in my heart and mind I am a Catholic? I hope I have allayed any fears there may still be.

One of the reasons that I did accept the position of Rector was that most of the parishioners were not in favor of the ordination of women, and other liberal trends in our church - even after 30 years of being the dominant and common view. Such faithfulness to the tradition appealed to me.

I also knew that as our parish grew new people might not accept the traditional teaching and theology that has been integral at All Saints'. It would be strange if we all had a common mind on such matters. Indeed, many Episcopalians opposed to the consecration of a gay bishop are in favor of the ordination of women. How illogical is that! For many people coming to All Saints' our High Mass and teaching has been quite a new thing. I call that evangelism.

With regard to the ordination of women, I think the majority of our congregation are not persuaded that it is in accord with Catholic tradition, and therefore, is unable to be received as true to our Catholic tradition and inheritance. Some have no particular opinion, and see this as a natural progression in our church.