08 Jun Letter from Bishop Stewart
Dearest Brothers and Sisters of the Upper Midwest Diocese,
We’re aware that many of you received the Archbishop’s email regarding the Decision and Order by the Provincial Tribunal and Archbishop Foley Beach’s subsequent response. These statements represent a significant disagreement between the Provincial Tribunal—the high court of the ACNA—and the Archbishop over how our Constitution & Canons should be interpreted.
I know this lengthy process has been so difficult. I am aware this development may be unsettling and raises questions for many of you. Your diocesan leadership and I are committed to answering those questions in the right time and place. I have also been in conversation with many of our clergy, our Bishop’s Council, and other ACNA bishops.
Brothers and sisters, this is a moment to pray and fast for our Diocese and Province, both of which we love dearly. I am calling for a Diocese-wide fast for tomorrow, Friday, June 9. If you’re able, please join Katherine and me in prayer and fasting.
If you’d like to know more, I encourage you to read the published documents in light of our ACNA Constitution & Canons. They were posted online in this order:
Archbishop Foley’s letter in response to Tribunal
Let me leave you with the Scripture that I often pray over you when I give my blessing: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
With much love,
+Stewart
