TLC: Few Would Recognize Change of Allegiance, PB Warns San Joaquin Bishop
December 4, 2007

On the eve of a historic convention for the Diocese of San Joaquin, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has written to the Rt. Rev. John-David Schofield, Bishop of San Joaquin, encouraging him to return to the councils of The Episcopal Church as a loyal member of the opposition and to diminish expectations for the proposed transfer of allegiance to the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone.

“While you may believe that the Diocese of San Joaquin can be welcomed into another province of the Anglican Communion, I believe you will find that few parts of the Communion will recognize such a proposal,” Bishop Jefferts Schori wrote on Dec. 3.

“Such an action is without precedent, violates longstanding principles of catholic Christianity, and can only harm those faithful Episcopalians who only seek to follow Christ,” she continued. “I urge you to consider whether there might not be a more honorable course for you, personally, than seeking to violate your ordination vows and the Canons of this Church. Together with many in this Church, I would very much value your continued and increased presence at the table – both the table of Jesus Christ and the table of fellowship.”

Bishop Jefferts Schori warned Bishop Schofield that the personal cost to him would also be high. the rest