Committee work on clergy reinstatements

From the Bishop:

On Wednesday evening, I testified before Committee 12, Formation & Education for Ministry, regarding a resolution designed to facilitate reinstatement of deacons and priests formerly removed from ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church. Of course, this is a matter about which we have both interest and experience. Indeed, we have reinstated two priests thus far, but we did so without benefit of church canon (law), for the canons did not anticipate circumstances like ours in South Carolina.

In my testimony, I raised several questions about the proposed canon before the committee, while reflecting on the process we had followed. The response was quite positive and supportive. People on the committee were interested in our experience, and they wanted to apply that experience to the proposed canon.

As a result of this time before Committee 12, I find myself working with a subcommittee to "perfect" the resolution, making sure to inject the lessons learned from our experiences in South Carolina.

This, then, is one way that our deputation to General Convention is being warmly received as full and appreciated members of The Episcopal Church. In this case, we are present to offer what wisdom we have gained, for the benefit of the whole Church.

Bishop vonRosenberg testifying before the Formation & Education for Ministry Committee of General Convention.