Remain Episcopal in the Diocese of San Joaquin posted this request on 26 May 2004:

Let your voices be heard! Archbishop Eames, chair of the Lambeth Commission established by the Archbishop of Canterbury to study "understandings of communion" that unite Anglicans worldwide, needs to hear the perspective of via media groups such as ours. Remain Episcopal is requesting everyone to write the Commission in support of maintaining unity in the Episcopal Church. We have drafted a sample letter for your use as it is, or for you to modify. Please circulate this letter and ask all in agreement to add their names. The email address is provided.

May 12, 2004

The Reverend Canon Gregory Cameron
Commission Secretary
Lambeth Commission
Anglican Communion

Email: Commission.Secretary@Anglicancommunion.org

We, the undersigned members of the Diocese of San Joaquin, support the Episcopal Church, USA and are distressed over the actions of the American Anglican Council (AAC) that threaten schism. Please be assured that the AAC represents only a small minority of American Episcopalians, but it is well funded by a Christian special-interest group.

While the AAC purports to have wide support in the United States, in fact, of the l07 dioceses in the Episcopal Church, only 9 have affiliated with the Network. Indeed, support of the Network is not even as strong as these numbers suggest because in some dioceses, such as San Joaquin, all members were counted only because the Bishop, Standing Committee and Council decided to join. We clergy and lay people of the diocese were not asked for an opinion, nor were we permitted to vote.

Communications from the AAC and from its local supporters have exhibited an approach to interpreting Holy Scriptures that includes intolerance for those who disagree. Many of us have been repeatedly condemned as apostates. We find this approach to be inconsistent with the Anglican tradition. We believe that faithful Christians can arrive at differing interpretations of Holy Scripture, and we respect those who disagree with the consecration of Bishop Robinson. Indeed, some of the undersigned do not support his consecration. We do, however, embrace our unity in Christ and think it a sin to refuse to be in communion with each other.

We regret the pain caused by the Episcopal Church to members within the Anglican Communion. It is our belief that AAC actions have contributed to the strain in our Communion as much as have actions of our General Convention. We pray that an attitude of respect for our differences and mutual trust in the power of the Holy Spirit will keep us united.

Thank you for your leadership. Be assured that we pray for you, for the Anglican Communion, and for all members of the Episcopal Church.

In Christ,