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VIRGINIA: Bishop rips actions of Uganda Archbishop over fleeing priest
January 6, 2006 The Feast of the Epiphany
Letter from Bishop Lee to Ugandan Archbishop
The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi
Archbishop, The Anglican Church of Uganda
Willis Road, Namirembe
P.O. Box 14123
Kampala, Uganda
My dear Archbishop,
I have read your "open letter" to me dated January 5, 2006. My decisions with regard to Mr. Ashey, based upon his letter to Bishop Jones, his comments to me and the Standing Committee of the Diocese, concerned Mr. Ashey's clear and unambiguous desire to be removed from the Episcopal Church.
I am disappointed that you and the Church of the Province of Uganda have chosen to exercise episcopal acts outside the jurisdiction of your Province without collaboration with me, and contrary to my understanding of traditional Anglican principles.
The Diocese of Virginia has a long and affectionate relationship with the Church of Uganda. The late Most Rev. Yona Okoth, Archbishops of Uganda, participated in my consecration in 1984. He and his family were provided asylum in Virginia during the reign of the tyrant, Idi Amin, for their protection. I will continue to encourage churches in Virginia to support mission efforts in Uganda in parishes and dioceses, including such projects as the Solar Light Project and the Chain Foundation. We believe all these efforts have the approval of local Uganda bishops.
My prayer is that our attention to mission in the name of Christ will help put difference among us in perspective and unite us more fully in Christ.
Sincerely yours
Peter James Lee
