This is the way people should behave ... especially if they are leaders in the church! Paul says in Galatians 6:10 "Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

I was in your diocese a few months ago to preach at Bishop Seabury Church in Groton. I know of the tensions you all are living under, but I still cannot imagine what has caused you to enter St. John's, Bristol, break open locked offices, pilfer through confidential material, switch pastoral leaders, and threaten the livelihood and ministry of a priest in good standing of the church. I know you have expressed concern for the people of the parish, but surely, there is another way beside forced entry.

I encourage you to re-read the prayer from your own consecration: "We pray that he may be to us an effective example in word and action, in love and patience, and in holiness of life." Your recent actions are inconsistent with this prayer. Your offense has brought disgrace on your office and needless pain to the people of your diocese. You have either misunderstood, or worse, misused, the canons that you promised to uphold. Please do your office a last honor: Retreat from your overreach or resign the office of pastoral leader in your diocese ... for the good of the family of believers. In Christ,

The Rev. Canon David H. Roseberry is Rector of Christ Church in Plano, Texas.