07/11/2008
Bishop Lamb asks clergy to confirm status
by Communications Director
The letter outlined three choices:
1) remain a clergy member of The Episcopal Church,
2) no longer "exercise ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church ... for reasons not affecting my moral character"
3) declare no longer consider self to be a clergy in The Episcopal Church.
While stating his hope clergy would elect to remain clergy members in The Episcopal Church, Bishop Lamb noted that the second option leaves the door open to return. In his letter Bishop Lamb stated he is "committed to providing you every opportunity to communicate with me regarding these issues.... It is important that we reach clarity so that we each may move forward." Noting that he had made numerous attempts to invite priests and deacons into conversation, he again stated his willingness to talk with anyone.
Bishop Lamb will leave on July 13 to represent the Diocese of San Joaquin at the Anglican Communion's Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England from July 16 through August 3. His wife Jane will accompany him.
The Lambeth Conference takes place every ten years at the invitation of the Archbishop of Canterbury. This conference is attended by archbishops and bishops of the Anglican Communion, a family of churches around the world. Though originally held at Lambeth Palace,the current venue is the University of Kent in Canterbury which can better accommodate the 800-plus archbishops and bishops invited to attend. A parallel conference is held for spouses.
