The following Letter to the Editor was published in the September 29, 2008, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It follows an Op-Ed piece and other comments in the media in which critics misrepresent the faith and teachings of the Episcopal Church.
Defending the Faith
Wendy Scott Paff and others planning to leave the Episcopal Church are blatantly wrong when they claim the church no longer teaches that Jesus Christ is God and Savior (“Leaving the Episcopal Church”).
Those who find fault with some aspects of a church should not declare the entire body corrupt. We who remain committed to the Episcopal Church know that in most places in this country, the church is vibrant and, above all, faithful.
Never has the national church asked or required us to teach, practice or believe anything that is contrary to the faith passed down to us. Rather, we proclaim Jesus is Lord and we recite the creeds, without reservation, and with full knowledge and acceptance of what they mean. Our Book of Common Prayer reflects these beliefs.
We believe the Episcopal Church continues to minister to the poor and needy, worship in spirit and truth and proclaim the saving power of Jesus Christ. We wish to stay and be a part of that faithful witness.
REV. DR. JAMES SIMONS
Ligonier
The writer is rector of St. Michael’s of the Valley and chairs the steering committee of Across the Aisle, a theologically diverse group of Pittsburgh clergy and lay people committed to remaining in the Episcopal Church.
The letter, and others, as published can be read at http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08273/915889-110.stm
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