Stand Firm: Archbishop Orombi Responds to the Presiding Bishop

Thursday, May 15, 2008
via email

14th May 2008

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
The Episcopal Church USA
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY

Dear Bishop Katharine,

I received word of your letter through a colleague who had seen it on the internet. Without the internet, I may never have known that you had written such a personal, yet sadly ironic, letter to me.

Unfortunately, you appear to have been misinformed about key matters, which I hope to clear up in this letter.

1. I am not visiting a church in the Diocese of Georgia. I am visiting a congregation that is part of the Church of Uganda. Were I to visit a congregation within TEC, I would certainly observe the courtesy of contacting the local bishop. Since, however, I am visiting a congregation that is part of the Church of Uganda, I feel very free to visit them and encourage them through the Word of God.

2. The reason this congregation separated from TEC and is now part of the Church of Uganda is that the actions of TEC's General Convention and statements of duly elected TEC leaders and representatives indicate that TEC has abandoned the historic Christian faith. Furthermore, as predicted by the Primates of the Anglican Communion in October 2003, TEC's actions have, in fact, torn the fabric of the Communion at its deepest level. the rest

Comment at Stand Firm:
Dear Saints:

It is my pleasure to report to you the visit of His Grace, Henry Luke Orombi, to Christ Church, Savannah. The Archbishop enjoyed our hospitality, dined with lay leadership and our staff, toured our city, and enjoyed breakfast with our Vestry. Wednesday evening, we enjoyed a wonderful reception in Johnson Square, blessed by beautiful weather and a good turnout. The Archbishop addressed our congregation for approximately one hour, and encouraged us from Luke 8:22-39. Approximately 320 were in attendance (the meeting was open to the public). The exercise of his pastoral leadership, encouragement, love, and biblical guidance were an enormous encouragement to us and to many others. After his address, the congregation was dismissed, but an invitation was made for those who wished to receive prayer and ministry at the Lord’s altar to come forward after the closing hymn. Over twenty people responded, and this ministry continued for almost another hour. Our hearts are full and our souls are refreshed. We give thanks to God for His grace poured out upon us through the godly leader.

—Marc Robertson, Rector
Christ Church, Savannah