"Furthermore," says Lewis, "there are other reasons why such action would be improper and illegal-all of which would be asserted (including possible counterclaims) in the event of any attempt to 'seize the property.'"

Bennison also questioned whether Anglican leaders would accept Fr. Moyer as a bishop in the 78 million strong Anglican Communion (not to be confused with the Traditional Anglican Communion lead by Archbishop John Hepworth.). Bennison said that as only two Anglican Communion bishops (Davies and Kapinga) laid hands on him and three are required by canon law, his consecration was invalid. Numerous other TAC bishops including Archbishop John Hepworh laid hands on Moyer.

J. Robert Wright, historiographer for the Episcopal Church agreed saying "three is our operating procedure." Wright also said Episcopalians "cannot possibly recognize Moyer as a bishop because he is not consecrated for a church we are in communion with." The historiographer, however, very carefully did not agree with Bennison that the consecration was invalid. All he said was that three Anglican Communion bishops are the normal "procedure"-not that it is required.

Responding to these charges, Bishop Moyer described such views as "antiquated." Moyer stated that only one bishop laying hands is required for validity. Even if there are no formal ties between the two communions and other Continuing Anglican jurisdictions, there are active and vibrant relationships "on the ground" citing Australian bishop Russ Owen Davies of the Anglican Church of Australia who laid hands on Fr. Moyer.

But the action in consecrating Fr. Moyer has clearly muddied the ecclesiastical waters with both orthodox and liberal bishops around the world.

One orthodox Episcopal bishop told VirtueOnline that it was the worst and most damaging act setting back the catholic quest for unity in several hundred years!

Central African Primate Bernard Malango, under whose authority Fr. Moyer has been working wrote to Moyer several weeks before the consecration questioning the timing and his future relationship with him. "You need to understand that there are many complications that you don't know. Several of recent elections of bishops in my province have resulted in law suit challenges filed in courts. My own enthronement was delayed for months because of silly charges that were made. It is not simply for me to say that you are a priest in one relationship and a bishop in another. Something like that cannot be done without the agreement of Bishops here and other leaders as well. It might take action from the whole synod. I hope we can build that over the time but it is not there now. Malango did give David his blessing.

Yet a Dean of the Anglican Communion Network, Fr. John Guernsey wrote Fr. Moyer saying, "I want you to know that you are very much in my prayers today as you are ordained and consecrated a bishop in Christ’s one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. May the Lord anoint you in power by His Spirit for faithful and fruitful ministry in this crucial time in history. God bless you."

Forward in Faith UK responded saying that despite serious misgivings about the manner in which it was effected, Forward in Faith UK welcomed the consecration of the Right Reverend David Moyer SSC and the Right Reverend David Chislett SSC as Bishops in the Church of God. We note the participation of Bishops Edward MacBurney SSC, Maternus Kapinga and Ross Davies SSC in these consecrations and salute the courage with which Bishop Davies has appointed Bishops Moyer and Chislett as assistant bishops in the Diocese of The Murray, in the Archdiocese of Adelaide. We assure the new bishops of our continuing good wishes and prayers. The letter was signed by John Fulham, Chairman, Geoffrey Kirk, Secretary and Stephen Parkinson, Director.

Forward in Faith's seven acting bishops issued a letter that wished Moyer but said that many would regard his consecration "as a stumbling block to the building up of an orthodox Anglican Province within these United States."

Bishop Maternua Kapinga, Diocese of Ruvuma also wrote to David Moyer saying the news of his election as a Bishop in the Church of God had reached his attention and he was overjoyed for it. "You perceive your election as ACA (TAC) Bishop to be a call from God. It has touched my heart that you witness saying, "I am humbled, but I do know very deeply that this is the work of God." I interpret this to be your awareness of what God [is] calling you to do here and now. As a child of God and a follower of Christ you must decide to do it and actually do it." Kapinga not only wrote the letter, in the end he traveled to Rosemont to lay hands on Fr. Moyer.

Kapinga cited Cardinal John Henry Newman, who said: "Beware of trifling with your conscience. It is often said that second thoughts are best; so they are in matters of judgment, but not in matters of conscience. In matters of duty first thoughts are commonly best--they have more in them of the voice of God."

Bishop Graham Howard Walden, Bishop of The Murray (ret.) wrote saying that the consecration of the two men was valid "inasmuch as the consecrating bishops are 'bona fide' bishops of the Anglican Communion. Archbishop John Hepworth is well known to me and received a valid consecration to the Order of Bishop in the Diocese of The Murray. Ross Owen Davies, was similarly consecrated in Adelaide Cathedral. Walden recognizes Hepworth's orders.

In the US, ECUSA Bishop William C. Wantland Bishop of Eau Claire (ret.) wrote saying that while he had had deep discussion, and some differences on this matter, "I truly support you with my prayers on this awesome new ministry you are being called to."

Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan, moderator of the Anglican Communion Network, issued a statement saying Moyer's move "raises difficulties in his relationship to the broader Anglican Communion."

We will, over the course of the next few months and years see how this consecration plays out. For the moment it is but another stone in the stream of Anglican realignment that will have profound and rippling effects for years to come.

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