A Statement from the American Anglican Council Condemning Seizure of St. John’s Church, Bristol by Bishop of Connecticut
July 14, 2005

Yesterday, the Rt. Rev. Andrew Smith, Bishop of Connecticut, issued an inhibition against the Rev. Mark Hansen, rector of St. John’s, Bristol and seized church property over the protest of the church’s elected lay leadership. We believe there are serious questions regarding the canonical grounds upon which this inhibition was based as well as inconsistencies in the bishop’s explanation of his actions. We are outraged that any bishop would seize control of a church without lengthy consultation with the vestry [elected church board], and to do so in the name of pastoral concern is unconscionable. Bishop Smith has exhibited pastoral disregard for the leaders, members and clergy of St. John’s. He also seems to display a lack of episcopal discretion and appears devoid of prudent counsel with which bishops are expected to carry out the historic and canonical role to which they are called.

In blatant disregard for the clear warning of the four Instruments of Anglican Unity to avoid doctrinal innovations on human sexuality, the Episcopal Church’s General Convention 2003 voted to approve the election as bishop of a man living in a same-gender relationship. Bishop Smith voted for that measure, subsequently participated in the consecration of V. Gene Robinson, and advocates the blessing of same-sex unions. In so doing, we believe he has abandoned the official teaching of the Anglican Communion.

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