Dear Friends,

The General Convention of the Episcopal Church that was held in Columbus, Ohio from
June 13 to 21 was one of the most contentious conventions in our lifetimes. The decisions
of this convention will have profound effects on the Episcopal Church, and likely stronger
negative effects than even the previous General Convention.

Presiding Bishop Election: Bishop Robert Duncan, Moderator of the Anglican
Communion Network comments on the election of Katharine Jefferts Schori to be the next
Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church - For the Anglican Communion worldwide, this
election reveals the continuing insensitivity and disregard of the Episcopal Church for
the present dynamics of our global fellowship. This election asserts once again that it is
our autonomy and revolutionary character that is most dear to us. Any words the General
Convention might speak about compliance with the Windsor Report will have to be read
in light of this election.

Response to Windsor Report: Literally at the last hour Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold
called a joint meeting of the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops and ramroaded
through a resolution on the Windsor Report after both houses failed to pass
resolutions that included limitations on future same sex blessings and the consecration of
non-celibate homosexual bishops. This resolution has been judged inadequate by Bishop
Duncan, Archbishop Peter Akinola (speaking for the African bishops), the American
Anglican Council and other leaders of the Anglican Communion.

Jesus and Salvation: The House of Deputies refused to consider a resolution that stated
that salvation is through Jesus alone.

Top Priority for the Episcopal Church: Despite the Great Commission given to the
Church by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Presiding Bishop-elect proclaimed that the
Millenium Development Goals of the United Nations are the top priority for our church.

Consent Given: The Rev. Canon Barry Beisner received the necessary consents to
proceed to consecration as the next bishop of Northern California. His consecration was
opposed by some who believe that Beisner's two divorces and three marriages do not give
a wholesome example to his future flock.

Revised Common Lectionary: The General Convention mandated that the Revised
Common Lectionary (RCL) be used exclusively in Episcopal Churches by Advent 2010.
The RCL is an adaptation of the lectionary of the Roman Catholic Church and it is used in
"virtually all of the mainline denominations," according to the Rev. Dr. Peter Toon,
president of the Prayer Book Society.

Anglican Communion Network: Rachel Zoll, the religion writer for the Associated
Press reports: "The Pittsburgh-based Anglican Communion Network, which represents 10
Episcopal dioceses and more than 900 parishes that opposed Robinson's election, has a
meeting set for the end of July to discuss their future plans."

This is where we stand in the Episcopal Church and the parish of St. Andrew's in the
Diocese of Central New York. Be assured that your vestry is discussing the ramifications
of the General Convention on our parish life, and if necessary we will hold parish
discussions regarding any parish decision or response.

Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Tony Seel
Rector