The excuse for violating the boundaries of diocesan jurisdictions is that tender consciences have to be protected from "revisionist" bishops and that the provision for Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight is inadequate.

Another tactic has been to ascribe constitutional authority to the Lambeth Conference, and to attribute exaggerated power to the Primates Meeting. This is wishful thinking at best, or devious manipulation at worst.

Between now and Lambeth 2008, we are committed, as a Province, to sharing in the wider debate taking place across the Anglican Communion. We must, therefore, seek in a spirit of generosity to engage with and appreciate the full range of views that have been expressed and continue to be expressed both within our Province and elsewhere in our worldwide Communion.

The Issues Now Before Us

The divestment plan could meet resistance within the Church of England, where the church commissioners, who are responsible for administering the church's inherited wealth, historically have shown an independent streak.

In September, after a weeklong visit to the Middle East, the committee issued a statement sharply critical of Israeli occupation, and several church leaders indicated that they supported economic pressure against Israel, including divestment.

Paul Leary, a church warden, and the Trinity Church Vestry, which oversees daily operations of the church, announced the resignation in a letter distributed to members of the congregation.

In the letter, the Vestry members stated that they "acknowledge Janet deserves consideration and forgiveness, but this doesn't negate accountability."