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Mercy, love and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord be yours in abundance.
I write this letter with a heavy heart, word having reached us here in Northern Zambia - Central Africa that the Right Revd Charles Bennison, Bishop of Pennsylvania, has inhibited a godly priest. This action to inhibit the Revd David Moyer is not only greatly troubling in itself, but it is symptomatic of deeper problems in the Anglican Communion, especially in ECUSA: the erosion of foundational doctrine of the Christian faith. This situation must be addressed. To fail to do so threatens the future of the Anglican Communion.
Father Moyer is well known to me. It is my personal observation that his ministry is faithful, his moral character above reproach, and his theology and practice of ministry sound. It is not reasonable to inhibit such a faithful priest for "abandonment of ministry," when the centre of the conflict with his bishop is desire to maintain the doctrine, discipline, and faith of the church. It is also grossly unfair to the people of the parish and impacts the bonds that link us in communion. It is also not reasonable to fail to address Bishop Bennison's theology and actions.
While it has been our policy to happily accept the validity of the ministry of bishops and clergy from other provinces, sadly it appears no longer wise to do so indiscriminately. Situations must obviously now be evaluated individually.
This unreasonable act of inhibition and public statements attributed to Bishop Bennison are evidence of the possibility of such grave theological deficiencies on the part of the bishop that the very character of his ministry is called into question. I need to investigate the situation as to whether or not we can be in communion with Charles Bennison.
As Archbishop and Primate of Central Africa I do not recognize this inhibition. I will continue to recognize Father Moyer as a priest in good standing in the Anglican Communion. He is welcome to function sacerdotally in our churches.
I have written to the Most Revd Frank Griswold, Primate of ECUSA, to urge his most urgent intervention in the situation.
I have also written to the Most Revd and Right Honorable George Carey, the Archbishop of Canterbury to ask that this issue, and the broader conflicts which have led to it, be included in the agenda of the upcoming Primates’ Meeting. It is evident to me that we, as Primates of the Communion, have not exercised sufficient leadership when bishops depart from historic teaching or use the structures of the church to assault the faith and attack those who seek the Gospel's preservation.
While initially heartened by the adoption of a "Covenant for Extended Pastoral Care" adopted by the American House of Bishops, it will mean little if it is not employed in situations like Pennsylvania. In addition, great concern remains that the issues, which have spawned this conflict, remain un-addressed. "Alternative Episcopal Oversight" does not solve (or even address) the issues that have given rise to its need.
I urge concerned people and parishes throughout the world to offer concerted prayer for these painful circumstances, especially as we are in the Holy Week. Second, I most earnestly urge prayer for wisdom, courage, and fidelity for the Primates of the Communion as we meet in Canterbury next month.
+ Bernard
The Most Revd Dr. Bernard A Malango
Archbishop of Central Africa
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