Click on the letter for the larger view.
In other words, we have a secret. We know you are anxious and concerned, but we can't allay your anxiety and concern quite yet, because it would be imprudent to reveal the secret at this time. Sorry about that. Although the decision has been made, the situation remains fluid and requires discernment, thus you must be patient for a while longer.
Unless the letter is written in code that only the in-group in the diocese understands, the gist of the communication is so very immature that it could have come from a child of elementary school age were the language less high-flown. One is left puzzled wondering if the decision (whatever it is) was premature. Is it possible the course of action could change in response to discernment on the fluid situation? The bishop assures the members of the diocese that the leaders "are progressing" and have not "stopped or dropped the ball". If the decision is already made, then why the hesitation in disclosure?
But why am I surprised? The letter is typical +Mark Lawrence. Will he or won't he take the diocese and himself out of the Episcopal Church? The bishop or any member of the diocese is free to leave the Episcopal Church at any time, as the church does not hold its members in chains. My guess is that the "discernment" is about finding a way to take church property with them if and when they depart the Episcopal Church and a way for the diocese to claim to be still a part of the Anglican Communion. Of course, I could be wrong, and I hope I am. The matter remains of the vows +Lawrence made at his ordination as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, I,Mark Lawrence, chosen Bishop of the Church in South Carolina, solemnly declare that I do believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and to contain all things necessary to salvation; and I do solemnly engage to conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church.H/T to Mark Harris at Preludium, who brought the letter to my attention.
