Network Deans Respond to Bishop Mathes’ Letter
It is with dismay that we, the Deans of the Anglican Communion Network, have read the letter sent by the Right Reverend James Mathes, Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego, to all his rectors. This letter is a clear and oppressive threat to faithful orthodox rectors and their people.
Bishop Mathes, who was elected fourth Bishop of San Diego just 18 months ago as a “reconciler” and a “moderate,” wrote this letter as a “pastoral directive” in an obvious attempt to quell dissent within his diocese. This harsh and insensitive demand has been placed upon those in the Diocese of San Diego who have sought to be nothing more than loyal to the faith “once delivered to the saints.” Besides threatening inhibition and deposition for any rector who takes any action that the bishop deems to be moving a parish toward disaffiliating from the Diocese of San Diego, he threatens discipline over any attempt to affiliate with certain unnamed persons or organizations. If the clergy or parishes “attempt to affiliate with any persons or entities beyond the canonically constituted order provided by this Church [that will be] understood to be an effort that, intended or not, will undermine the mission for which we have been created…” and will lead to discipline.
The bishop is trying to control with whom his parishes may associate. This is unprecedented in our Church and is a clear indication of the extreme measures that a growing number are willing to take to squelch the voices of those with whom they disagree. While some liberal bishops have shown grace in respecting the biblically orthodox in their diocese and have demonstrated fairness in negotiated settlements, we have seen in Los Angeles, Connecticut, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, and elsewhere what some will do to keep orthodox believers in line. With the General Convention only six weeks away, Bishop Mathes’ action reveals a grievous and cavalier willingness to pursue a course of action which will cause the Episcopal Church to “walk apart” from the Anglican Communion.
Once again, faithful Anglican Christians are being bullied by those who are more interested in property and power than in the Gospel. We want all the Biblically orthodox clergy and people of the Diocese of San Diego to know that you are not alone and we offer our full support to you as you stand faithfully for Jesus Christ.
Your servants in Christ,
The Rev. John A. M. Guernsey, Mid-Atlantic Convocation The Rev. William H. Ilgenfritz, Forward in Faith North America Convocation The Rev. James McCaslin, Southeastern Convocation The Rev. D. O. Smart, Mid-Continental Convocation The Rev. William Murdoch, New England Convocation The Rev. William A. Thompson, Western Convocation