1. For ECUSA to withdraw its representatives from the Anglican Consultative Council, a key interim body of the Anglican Communion. This has, in effect, put the American Church on notice that they are "outside" the family until they decide to abide by the Anglican Communion teaching. This was a good thing.

2. For ECUSA bishops to use their influence to affect a moratorium on further consecrations of bishops who are active homosexuals and to not permit the blessing of same-sex unions in the church.

3. For bishops from around the world to not initiate pastoral oversight and/or ministries beyond their diocesan and provincial borders. There is much more to the statement, but these are significant points. This was all very good.

It told the world that the Anglican Communion has distinct teaching on human sexuality and all affiliated provinces are to share that common teaching.

A few days ago, after tense debate and discussion in the House of Bishops, the American bishops released their response. It is in part, a statement of childish defiance to the worldwide communion. Whereas the Primates had asked the bishops to declare a moratorium on the consecration of a gay bishop, the American bishops are dictating their own terms of their discipline.

They have decided to withhold consent from ANY bishop (gay or straight) for the next 18 months. The Primates request is based on a theological understanding of marriage, sexuality, and biblical authority.

They are upholding the teaching of the Bible and the church. But the American bishops have shirked their role as defenders of the faith and have taken a political position.

They have declared a hunger strike! In essence they have said, "If we can't have new gay bishops, we won't have any new bishops at all!" Friends, this is not leadership of any kind. Leadership points a way forward. Leadership upholds biblical doctrine. Leadership rallies support for a preferred future.

This is American power politics. This holds the church (and some dioceses) hostage until we all agree on a sexual ideology that is not welcomed in the Anglican Communion. This defiance is couched in the language of justice and solidarity with the gay population, but it is a simple strategy to use their once honorable office to break the church's will at the next General Convention.

It is an abrogation of leadership. It would have been far better and far more honest for the bishops to declare the Episcopal Church out of communion with the Anglican Communion and then set about picking up the pieces. By these actions the bishops have said that we can get along without them.

They have declared themselves to be irrelevant and unnecessary for the future life of this church. And we will be fine! The world is waiting for a church that has a message of hope, redemption and grace in Jesus Christ. We have that message to proclaim.

Enough of the sex politics of one of the smallest sect-size denominations in the United States!

Christ Church has been making disciples since 1985. God has blessed us with growth, strength, and a clear vision. We are committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ. We will be 20 years old this June. But what is increasingly clear to me is that we are no longer able to make disciples on behalf of the Episcopal Church.

It is shutting itself down and closing itself off from the great heritage and energy of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Christ Church will not follow their demise. We are pointing a way forward in the Anglican Way.

We must wait and trust God for things to unfold, but some kind of re-alignment has already begun. We will focus on our clear mission and trust that God is leading us into our "Chapter Two". He has told us in His Word "to put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13) That's where we are standing -- on the promises of God.

Christ Church will host a diocesan-wide forum on the Windsor Report on the evening of April 10. The Rev. Dr. Peter Walker from Wycliffe Hall will be here along with our bishop to outline the Report and the state of the Anglican Communion. We will be videotaping the event and will make copies available to those who request them.

At a national level, we must continue to support and rally behind the Anglican Communion Network, an affiliation of dioceses and parishes who uphold the historic teaching of the church and are in full compliance with the Windsor Report and the requests of the Anglican Primates.

Our leaders at the ACN know the importance and urgency of the times we live in. To the extent that I can assist in that leadership, please know that I would covet your prayers.

In Christ,
The Rev. Canon David H. Roseberry
Christ Church, PLano Texas