Draft Anglican Covenant

From The Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner
 
Dear Friends in Christ:
 
Grace and peace!
 
By now, you may be aware that the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church has issued a study guide of the Draft Anglican Covenant.  The guide is available to you online at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/gc.htm.  The Draft Covenant is available at the websites listed below.
 
The study guide was only recently mailed to bishops and deputies (I saw my copy of it for the first time yesterday), and yet we are asked to have all responses delivered to New York no later than June 4.   Obviously, this is not a reasonable expectation of you, or of anyone responsible for planning, preparing, and leading important congregational and diocesan education events.  It is particularly appalling when the matter at hand is of such great significance.  I apologize to you, on behalf of the General Convention Office, and all concerned.  I am personally very unhappy about it.  Still, we need to make the most of this opportunity.  I ask only that you make our congregations aware of this material right away, and then help them to make such use of it as seems good to you.  Plans are underway for a regional conversation opportunity in Sacramento on Saturday, May 19 (details to follow when we have them); this office is also willing to help you organize/facilitate other regional conversations, as best we can, given the very tight time constraints.
 
Yours in Christ,
+Barry
 
http://www.aco.org/commission/d_covenant/index.cfm (English)