The Anglican Primates said unanimously in their October statement that adequate episcopal oversight must be provided to these beleaguered congregations. The AAC is actively seeking out ways to respond to the Primates' direction. Two of our leaders met in good faith with the Presiding Bishop after the Primates Meeting to try to work out an agreement for oversight along the lines of the Primates' request. Unfortunately, the Presiding Bishop has backed away from his agreement with the Primates on oversight and has put forth an inadequate plan that would provide no relief to orthodox parishes. We have repeatedly said that for oversight to be adequate (meaning adequate for those who desire it), it must not give local diocesan bishops veto power over who provides that oversight, even if it involves a bishop crossing over from another diocese. This is still our position.

We state again that the AAC continues to work within the Episcopal Church to advance the Anglican realignment in North America. We have not changed our doctrine or beliefs; it is the Episcopal Church that has departed from its own constitution and canons and has broken fellowship with the vast majority of the Anglican Communion.

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The American Anglican Council is a network of individuals, parishes, specialized ministries and Episcopal Bishops who affirm Biblical authority and mainstream Anglican orthodoxy within the Episcopal Church. For more information on the AAC, please visit http://www.americananglican.org.

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Source: AAC News
January 14, 2004

Contact: Bruce E. Mason
202-296-5360
202-250-0996

Cynthia Brust
202-412-8721