Tony Seel+: Three Strategies, Same Result

Three parishes that were formerly in the Diocese of Central NY have left, albeit in different ways. St. Andrew's in Syracuse was the first to leave and they were sued. After some preliminary legal work the parish and diocese settled out of court. St. Andrew's in Vestal negotiated with the diocese and when the negotiations proved fruitless the parish abandoned the parish facilities. Good Shepherd also negotiated with the diocese and has this week been sued by the diocese.

St. Andrew's, Syracuse had an antagonistic relationship with the diocese for a long time and the aftermath of their departure has included the birth of a new fellowship from St. Andrew's, Westside Anglican Fellowship. St. Andrew's, Syracuse is part of the Anglican Mission in America and Westside is part of CANA.

St. Andrew's in Vestal got to the point where it was clear that the diocese was not negotiating in good faith, we voted to join CANA and left before we were sued. It was obvious that the diocese was avoiding our calls, lying to us when they were talking to us, and doing everything they could to stall. I don't think it's possible to have an honest negotiation with dishonest negotiating partners, which is why we left our properties before we are sued.

Good Shepherd had the most amicable relationship with the diocese. The negotiations were done quietly with little public comment. Good Shepherd was unfailingly charitable in their dealings with the diocese. They too were lied to and they were deceived (or at least the diocese attempted to deceive them). Now they are sued.

Three strategies ending in the same place - three parishes outside of pecusa.

Please pray for the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Kennedy's, the Vestry and the people of our sister parish. DCNY blog

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