Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued the following
statement: "The Episcopal Church has come a long way in the last 10
years. We are no longer consumed by internal conflict over various
social issues. We are clearer about who we are - a multinational
church, with congregations in 17 nations, worshipping in countless
different languages, thriving in international, immigrant, and
multicultural contexts everywhere, and discovering the abundant life
that comes in turning outward to love the neighbors nearby and far
away. We are far more conscious about our vocation as partners in the
mission of God to reconcile and heal the world, particularly shaped by
the Five Anglican Marks of Mission. We are holding our identity as
Episcopal Christians a bit more confidently, even in the midst of our
diversity. We are also more willing to hold that identity lightly and
gracefully in engaging other Christians and people of other religious
traditions, searching for what we dream of in common - shalom, the Reign
of God, a more just and peaceful world, with abundant life for all
creation.
I am deeply grateful for what God has been
up to in the midst of our journey together, and I look forward to
seeing how this church of the middle way will continue to lead and
partner as we travel the road home, into God's fullest dream of abundant
life for all. I thank the people of this Church and beyond for your
prayers over the last nine years - especially in recognition that we do
this work together, never alone. May God bless the next chapter of The
Episcopal Church's engagement in God's mission, as we go together into
Galilee!"
