Press Release

“Via Media” Groups to Meet in Atlanta

Schenectady, N.Y.; Canton, N.Y.; Charleston, S.C.; Orlando, Fla.; San Diego, Calif.; Fort Worth, Tex.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Fresno, Calif.; Springfield, Ill.; Dallas, Tex.; Sante Fe, N.M. — March 3, 2004 —

In response to actions in our dioceses that threaten our common life in the Episcopal Church, eleven groups have formed in ten dioceses. Called by a variety of names, but often described collectively as “via media” organizations, we believe that God’s desire for the church is to remain in communion and dialogue in times of conflict and disagreement. We are interested in preserving our church and its traditional openness to differing interpretations of scripture, tradition, and reason in forming the moral conscience of Christian persons.

We are pleased by the interest shown by the press in our meeting of representatives on March 25-27, 2004, in Atlanta, Ga. The Atlanta meeting is not, and was never intended to be, a public gathering. We have extended no general invitations to attend. The get-together is a retreat for leaders of the various “via media” groups that have formed spontaneously in our dioceses. Our goals are to meet each other, to build relationships in Christ, and to seek the guidance of the Spirit for our common future together in the Episcopal Church.

Because there has been so much interest in this event, we have scheduled a time for meeting with the press following our closing Eucharist. All are invited to celebrate the Eucharist with us on Saturday, March 27, at 11:30 AM at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 634 West Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta GA 30308. The press time will follow at 12:30 PM. Working committee meetings and retreats of most organizations are not generally public meetings, and we hope that, given the nature of our gathering, you will respect our wish for privacy prior to the midday public events of March 27