I want to welcome all new clergy who have joined the Diocese and Province since our last Synod. I would like to ask each of them to stand and be recognized at this time as their names are called: The Rev. Charles Carlberg, the Rev. Cassius “Cass” Daly, Jr., the Rev. Paul Gerlock, the Rev. Daniel Malcomb, the Rev. Clarence Sills, the Rev. Robert Tufton, the Rev. Franklin Watts and the Rev. Patrick Lowery, who is now serving in our Diocese with the permission of his Bishop in the ACA and my agreement.

Also, I am most pleased to introduce to all of you a very fine priest, Fr. Michael Napoli of Holy Spirit Church, Mobile, Alabama. Fr. Napoli is at Synod with his wife Evelyn for the first time, as he is employed full time with the Air Force and has been traveling back and forth to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas during his ongoing battle with cancer. Please welcome them all and be sure to greet them all personally later.

I am pleased to announce that since our last Synod in Merrillville, Indiana in June 2006, we have added a number of new congregations. They are: the Church of Christ the Redeemer, Warner Robins/Fort Valley, Georgia, St. Michael’s Church, Fredericksburg, Virginia, Appomattox Anglican Church, Appomattox, Virginia (an associate parish), the Anglican Fellowship of Northern Kentucky, Holy Cross Anglican Church, Anderson, South Carolina and Epiphany Church, Leesburg, Florida. We welcome these new or transferring congregations into the Diocese and we look forward to hearing from their respective clergy or lay representatives about their experiences later.

It is my annual duty, privilege and honor as your Bishop to address you concerning the state of the Diocese and to issue a challenge on this occasion as we move into the new Synodical year. It would be the understatement of the millennium to say that there are changes going on these days in the official Canterbury Anglican Communion. I have attempted to discuss as much of this as I comprehend and am able to do as I visit our various congregations. I feel compelled in this forum of our annual Synod to repeat my perceptions for the benefit of all and especially those whom I have not been able to visit as of yet.

As you know, there is a battle going on in the mainline churches and denominations of our country for the very heart and soul of the Christian Faith as well as the assets of said bodies, a struggle between the forces of the orthodox and the heterodox. Each faction is vying for control. In many ways, we are even now witnessing the last gasps of the faithful in these mainline bodies as they attempt to salvage, against overwhelming odds, a seat and voice at the table. Most of us here today have had to face the sad and disappointing reality that long ago the die had been cast as the once-orthodox Episcopal Church has, with all the force it could gather, taken the road of total liberal modernist inclusiveness and heterodoxy. The Anglican Province of America and other separated traditional Anglican jurisdictions, some 30 plus years ago, parted company with the Church of our former obedience over fundamental changes in the original Catholic faith, Apostolic practice and orthodox ecclesiology of the Episcopal Church, a path TEC has continued to follow to this day.

The danger and the unfortunate result of being forced to establish separate Anglican jurisdictions have been the isolation and self-authentication that usually follow such a movement. Leaders arise and are anointed and then proceed to become overly protective of their ‘turf’ and fearful of their people being exposed to any one else, concerned that the people will be corrupted or become enamored with other personalities or influences. The same danger that has plagued the Continuing Churches is now faced in the present unfolding disintegration that is taking place from the Episcopal Church as various missionary bodies under the authority of foreign primates are being formed into missionary jurisdictions in this country.

In an attempt to prevent further division and isolation, for the Great Cause of the Gospel, and not to bring further offense by more separation, the Common Cause Partnership was formed in June 2004. This partnership requires each member body to accept a clear statement of the Christian Faith. Each is called upon to demonstrate to the Anglican world that those who are faithful and believe the Gospel can come together in a united front. The Anglican Province of America and the Reformed Episcopal Church have been invited to become members of the Partnership, as separated brethren, and to share in the decision making process of the coalition. There will be a significant meeting of the Bishops of the member jurisdictions the week of September 25-28, 2007, just prior to the September 30 deadline date set for the Episcopal Church to affirm its willingness to accept the demands of the Primates Communiqué issued last February in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

What happens following these meetings remains to be seen, but should the Episcopal Church choose to walk away from the Anglican Communion, there will be a vacuum created in this country into which some sound Anglican coalition or organization will need to move and be formally recognized by the Anglican Communion. By way of background for our new people and as a reminder to all, it should be said that the Anglican Province of America has existed for almost four decades as a ‘life boat’ for those who wish to escape the sinking ship of the heretical establishment. We have sought to provide a home for those who wish to remain classical orthodox Anglicans and we have been blessed over the years with numbers of new people and congregations joining with us. It is tempting to remain isolated and self-satisfied in the situation we have inherited and not to involve ourselves with the ecclesiastical disarray of the Anglican Communion. But as the hour of decision soon arrives for the Episcopal Church in light of the above mentioned Primates Communiqué and its demands, and if a new faithful Anglican association becomes a reality, will we still have any reason to remain isolated and yet still call ourselves Anglicans and Catholics? Will our current position - as a life boat and as Anglicans in exile, when there is a faithful wider Catholic body of which to be a part - remain defensible? Are we content to be a Church that could become irrelevant in light of these impending changes? How will we relate to this emerging coalition of Anglicans in the new reality? Anglicans and Catholics we certainly are and will always remain. But we must ask ourselves how we may connect to an emerging Anglican orthodoxy and unity if it finally emerges.

I have been involved with the Common Cause Partnership, along with Fr. Erich Zwingert and guest participant Bishop Richard Boyce, since its inception and I can assure everyone here today that we are treated as respected members of this body. Our Catholic theological position concerning the ordination of women is fully known and respected and there is no question concerning alteration. In fact, there seems to be a perceptible movement in the other direction by our more evangelical Anglican friends against this unscriptural practice. The error of women’s ordination is in fact still regarded by some of those in the Common Cause Partnership as in a period of reception. There is still hope on our part that they will see the light and return to the fullness of Catholic faith and Apostolic order. Our involvement in inter-Anglican dialogue, mission and co-operation is absolutely essential as we continue to serve as a desperately-needed witness to Holy Tradition, to the historic faith and practice of Anglicanism gratefully received from the ancient undivided Church. It just may be that we are called to restore a more genuine Anglican expression to our partners by the witness we supply.

In any event, the structure of what we are as a Province and Diocese will remain intact and there will, of necessity, be a period of discernment as a new Anglican province in the Americas begins to emerge. Initially, there will be overlapping jurisdictions as the irregularity of the process begins to unfold. The differences in churchmanship will likewise be at issue and of concern to us Traditionalists. Our prayer must be that the Holy Spirit will guide us all as we face the future and that the Lord’s Will shall remain preeminent in all we seek to do.

Another exciting development in the greater Anglican Church movement, in particular among the traditional jurisdictions, is the ongoing interest in the Federation of Anglican Churches in the Americas. By way of background for our new people, the REC and APA, through our Unity Committee, organized the Federation as a way by which to bring our two churches together, with the hope and prayer that others would join us in this effort. During this past year, other jurisdictions have decided to become a part of FACA. Joining soon after its creation was the Anglican Mission in America, and most recently, the Anglican Church in America, the Episcopal Missionary Church and the Diocese of the Holy Cross. This now means that six of the most viable Continuing Anglican bodies are demonstrating a willingness to come together as federated partners in an effort to establish eventual unity. Please pray that the Lord will continue to work in the hearts of His servants, that they may come to understand the importance of complying with the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, ‘…that they all may be one...’ We have some of our Federation partners here with us today.

As usual, this past year in the Diocese has been one of mixed blessings. As most of you are painfully aware, not long after our 2006 Synod, I lost my wife Carol after 30 years of marriage. I want to thank each of you for your expressions of love and, most of all, for your prayers for the repose of Carol, and for my family and me during this difficult time of grieving and readjustment. I am most thankful that three of my four sons live in the Orlando, Florida area and we have a strong family support system. Also, the parishioners of the Cathedral have been wonderful in their support and encouragement. I want to thank all of you. At the time, I received so many cards and letters that it was physically impossible to respond to them all, but I have saved every one of them and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I resumed my travel schedule in September of 2006 and have been attempting to get in as many confirmations and visitations as possible before this year’s Synod. I will not delve into the specifics of my many visits, as we will have the opportunity to hear from a number of you during our Parish Report segment on Friday morning.

Some of our clergy have been through struggles this past year of one kind or another. The forces of Satan are ever present in the midst of our Church and Diocese. Because we are doing something right and good, we are not exempt from his disruptive influence. Even the most well –meaning people can, through their efforts, construct an atmosphere in which the spirit of discord freely operates. It often begins with the subtle criticism of the priest and the next thing that happens is that factions are created. When visitors come, they can sense when a congregation is not at peace. It is a sure way to discourage visitors or new people from remaining in the parish. Oftentimes they stop coming to church and never tell anyone why. When asked they will usually not give a straight answer.

Conflict in the parish has a negative effect on all aspects of the ministry, and especially on the priest, which in turn affects every area of his life. It is important when a congregation is experiencing conflict that we each ask ourselves whether we are part of the problem or part of the solution. One of the sure ways of not being part of a problem is to spend more time praying for your parish and most especially for your priest and his family. There are times when constructive criticism is necessary. This should be handled discreetly and gently, by going to him and discussing your concerns. It is hurtful to the parish and all concerned when criticism is discussed with others or over the telephone and internet. Perhaps sometimes the congregation or the clergy lose sight of why we exist as a Church. Secondary issues can become primary and as a result, we can take our eyes off of Jesus. Anything that takes our eyes off of Jesus or distracts us from serving and honoring Him can become an idol and must be forsaken. Our particular liturgical expression, which is admittedly reverent and beautiful, when placed above the Lord who we are to worship, can become an idol. How often do Anglicans criticize each other on this subject!

I am most pleased to report that our Deanery system in the Diocese has been working well. Our Deans have taken their responsibilities seriously and have assisted on site as necessity requires. Having a first line of assistance when needs arise gives everyone involved a sense that, although we are spread abroad geographically, we still have connection with the greater Church. I want to thank each of our Deans at this time and would ask them to stand and be recognized.

One of the gratifying efforts of our Diocese this year has been the concerted effort on the part of all our congregations to participate in the Diocese of Andhra Pradesh, India Eye Clinic and Hospital. A special thanks goes to the Linda Armstrong Memorial Foundation that provided matching funds for this endeavor. Also, let us thank Deaconess Tina Jenkins who spearheaded this effort as the Missions Coordinator of the APA, Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, of Paoli, Pennsylvania for its generous gift, and all our Diocesan congregations that participated. We raised a total of $41,430.00, which will be matched by the Foundation. Deaconess Tina has plans to take on another important project for one of our Missions for next year.

I want to use this opportunity to announce my appointment of an Archdeacon for our Diocese. Fr. Erich Zwingert has been a competent and faithful priest of this Diocese over the last 10 years and has handled a number of the responsibilities of an Archdeacon for me over the years. I am making it official by this appointment and I promised him that I will now double the standard Archdeacon salary.

Finally, I want to thank all of those who continue to help and assist me in so many ways in the course of the years. Because of the personal issues with which I have had to deal, I have recently depended more upon others than I have in the past. I thank all of you who have stepped up to help. I cannot fully acknowledge everything and everyone. I will begin with recognizing the support from the Cathedral. Special thanks to Mrs. Lisa Ulrich, who keeps the Diocesan Office as efficient as is possible as she wears two hats, that of Diocesan Coordinator and the Parish Administrator for the Cathedral. She manages to juggle the responsibilities of the office with professionalism and grace. I want to recognize and thank the Sub-Dean of the Cathedral, Fr. Chandler (Chad) Jones, who in addition to his very busy pastoral ministry also cheerfully assists as needed in support of the work of the greater Church. Fr. Chad, as most of you now know, will soon be leaving St. Alban’s to assist Canon Bill Weston at St. Barnabas’ Church, Dunwoody (Atlanta) GA. I will miss him on our usual day to day basis at the Cathedral and our prayers are with him as he begins a vital new work at one of the most vibrant parishes of our Diocese. He remains Chairman of the Board of Examining Chaplains and I expect I will still call upon him as a valued resource. I want to thank Deaconess Linda Burns, who faithfully gives of her time and talent as a support to the Office and takes on numerous duties created by the overflow of work. There are a number of volunteers who come to assist in the process of preparing and sending mailings that go out from the Office. Without the enthusiastic support of St. Alban’s Cathedral and especially our Vestry and Senior Warden, David Arnott, so much of what we accomplish as a Diocese would be hindered. The clergy of the Cathedral in addition to Fr. Chad, Fr. Michael Eatmon, Fr. William ‘Doc’ Holiday, Fr. Kevin Burks and our Deacon, Fr. Al Witham, are also a wonderful source of prayer and encouragement and provide a loving support system. They have especially done so though the difficulties of this past year.

I want to move on and thank our Suffragan Bishop, Peter Brewer, who is always ready to assist whenever asked and has made a number of episcopal visitations over this past year. As most of you know, he also serves as vicar of St. John’s Church, Greensboro, North Carolina, where he and his wife Lili now live. I want to thank two other bishops of our church and Diocese who provide a wonderful service as parish priests. Bishop Clark Dorman who serves as Vicar of St. Thomas, Titusville, Florida and Bishop Bob Loiselle, who serves as Rector of St. Paul’s Church in Crownsville, Maryland. I would also like to thank Bishop Hanlan who is retired and assists as needed at St. Mary the Virgin Church in Delray Beach, Florida. I want to thank the Standing Committee of the Diocese and its president, Fr. Bill Perkins of St. Matthew’s Church in Riverview (Tampa), Florida. He is an able consultant and willingly takes on the duties and responsibilities of his leadership role. I would like to have the Standing Committee stand and I will introduce them at this time.

We have a number of men offering themselves for the Sacred Ministry of the Church. We also have a number of women entering the process of preparation for the office of Deaconess. I want to acknowledge and thank those volunteer clergy who serve on our Diocesan Board of Examining Chaplains and those who serve as my advisory board, called the Bishop’s Advisory Committee (BAC), who also interview men discerning a call to the ordained ministry,. I want to thank Fr. Chad Jones who serves as Chairman of the Examining Chaplains Board (BEC). Fr. Chad, in usual fashion, has enthusiastically taken on this challenge and has worked on improving the process to make it more ‘user friendly’. I will ask Fr. Chad to introduce the other members of the BEC. The other part of the process involves the Bishop’s Advisory Committee, a body designed to help men (and women applying for Deaconess training) who have completed the one year discernment program make their way through the application process. I will ask Deans Gene Mallard and Bill Perkins to stand and introduce the members of their Boards. As I mention each year, it is important to remember that all of our Board members are volunteers who give of their time and talent and work very hard at what they do. I encourage everyone to keep this in mind and please be patient as we follow the policies and standards of the Diocese.

Finally, I want to mention a number of our clergy and families who are struggling with cancer. In the past few weeks, we have lost Fr. Daniel Luca to stomach cancer. He died in his native land of Ecuador and was buried last week. God rest his soul. Andrew Blankinship, son of Fr. Paul and Andrea, has come through a difficult year of cancer treatment and has a reasonably good prognosis. This brave little boy has been an inspiration, not only to his family, but to all those around him as he has faced the rigors of his treatment with the best attitude. Fr. Paul and Andrea have been an inspiration to all who are now facing the devastation of this disease. Please pray for Andrew’s continued recovery, that the Lord will continue His healing miracle. Bishop Clark Dorman, who we are very proud to have with us today, was told last year that he had inoperable terminal lung cancer. Thank God, one doctor did not accept this diagnosis and he operated and removed the cancer. Bishop Dorman is back at the Altar and serves as vicar of St. Thomas Church, Titusville, Floirda. Fr. Michael Napoli is with us for the first time at Synod. He has been battling cancer for the last number of years and we ask you to continue to pray for his healing.

We have others in need of prayer for physical healing, as well as these, but I have mentioned the above because of the nature of their problems. Let us also remember those who are unable to join us due to lingering illnesses, such as Canon Rufus Kite-Powell and his wife Fran. Please pray for all the above mentioned and for others of our clergy who are in need of healing, that the Holy Spirit of God will care for them.

To all our clergy, who work very hard and invest many hours, and who are mostly underpaid for what they do, I extend my deepest thanks. God bless and keep each of you and thanks to all who have come to be with us at this important time as we gather as a Diocesan family.

Faithfully yours in Christ,
+Walter