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ANGLICANS UNITED SURVEY REVEALS CONTINUED 'CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE'
By David W. Virtue
DALLAS, TX (8/2/2005)--A survey of more than 2,000 Episcopalians by Anglicans United reveals that there is a still a 'conspiracy of silence' over the true state of the Episcopal Church, with thousands of Episcopalians not communicating their concerns to their priests and bishops.
Thirty-five percent of the surveys returned revealed that 74 percent of the respondents were still in the Episcopal Church with some 24 percent in orthodox parishes in orthodox dioceses. Some 26 percent have officially left the Episcopal Church since General Convention in August 2003. They voted with their feet was the dominant protest.
Of those who have left, 91 percent have gone to Anglican parishes. They are Anglican Communion "heartwood." They started their own parishes or found good "Continuing" parishes to join. Most expect to be affiliated with the Communion in the near future.
Some 96 percent of respondents want the Primates to require ECUSA to express regret for V. Gene Robinson's consecration, the survey showed.
Some 69 percent of respondents have not spoken with or written to their priest about these issues. Of the 10 percent clergy respondents, only 8 percent have spoken with their bishop about these issues. All are orthodox clergy in orthodox parishes within orthodox dioceses.
The Rev. Todd Wetzel, executive director of Anglicans United reported, "the others said there was no reason to try and do this. And so, the 'conspiracy of silence' continues: Priests don't talk with their parishioners OR their bishops; and bishops only hear from the homosexual activists and fellow liberals in their dioceses. Their decisions is on these issues are based on this input, not in the true picture of those who fill the pews."
Some 58 percent of the respondents say they get their news from local and national newspapers and newsletters, less than 20 percent get their news routinely on the Internet. "Those who did get their information from the Internet reported that VirtueOnline was their major source of news," said Wetzel.
Nearly 40 percent of respondents are in orthodox parishes in liberal dioceses and always under threat. Their letters show great signs of weariness, but determination not to cave in to 'bully apostate bishops'. Only 24 percent are in orthodox parishes in orthodox dioceses, which is consistent with 12 orthodox dioceses.
Anglicans United is a ministry working for a reformed, orthodox, Anglican presence in the North American hemisphere. For more information go to www.anglicansunited.com
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