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Bishop Guernsey Writes Diocese over Truro Parish decision to Abandon Peace and Reconciliation School
June 1, 2018
To the Clergy and Wardens of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic:
In April of last year, I wrote to inform you about a long-term lease that Truro Church had secured from the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and about my concerns related to the then "Truro Institute: A School of Peace and Reconciliation" that was formed in connection with this agreement.
After 12 months of collaboration between leaders of Truro Anglican Church and members of the Diocesan Standing Committee, and in acknowledgement of my authority as their bishop, Truro has decided not to have an institute at this time, choosing instead to continue to equip and empower its members to pursue peace and evangelization through existing Truro ministries.
The process of honest discussion and collaboration over the past year has been both challenging and rewarding. Members of our Standing Committee have enjoyed a close working relationship with Truro leaders over these many months and I am hopeful that these relationships will continue to bear much fruit. I give thanks to the Lord for the leadership of Truro Church and our Standing Committee and for their gracious and prayerful persistence in finding a solution to this challenge.
I also appreciate the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia's understanding and willingness to rework elements of its agreement with Truro in order for Truro to address my concerns. I ask your prayers for Truro as they continue their fruitful ministries of biblical peacemaking and evangelism, that they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit to present to all people--including those of other faiths--the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his redeeming love.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. John A. M. Guernsey
Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic
