To the People of God who are St. Andrew’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I am writing to you in advance of the upcoming congregational meeting of St. Andrew’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church. I understand that this meeting has been called by the Vestry to attempt to determine the future of St. Andrew’s affiliation with the Diocese of Atlanta and The Episcopal Church. Let me say at the onset that St. Andrew’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church will continue to be affiliated with the Diocese of Atlanta, although some of its members might choose to leave.

First, I am deeply saddened by the Vestry’s decision to handle these matters in the manner they have chosen. We are not a congregational church and the fact that the Vestry would take action in this manner is a clear demonstration of either a lack of knowledge of Episcopal polity or a willful disregard of it. In a spirit of generosity and pastoral concern, I have afforded St. Andrew’s a great deal of space to pursue its mission and ministry with the full support and encouragement of the diocese, and with little interference by me in its daily operation. When St. Andrew’s requested episcopal or diocesan support, you have received it warmly, with full cooperation on my part, and with affection . When the parish has failed to fulfill its covenant obligations to the diocese, I have sought to make peace instead of taking disciplinary action. I have been more than reasonable in trying to respond lovingly, courteously, and cooperatively with the Rector and Vestry of St. Andrew’s. I have offered Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight in accordance with the procedures set forth by the House of Bishops.

Second, I met with the Vestry on January 16, 2007, to begin the process of searching for and calling a new rector for St. Andrew’s. The meeting was cordial and the conversation focused on moving forward, building a strong and faithful future on the fine legacy of Father Brigham. While I had heard rumors of alternative processes being underway, some of which were confirmed directly by members of the congregation, I believed it was important to move ahead with the Vestry in as normal a manner as possible, and not cloud the process by trying to clarify what I hoped were unfounded rumors. I also anticipated, appropriately I believe, that if the Vestry had additional concerns they would be candid about them. I discovered subsequent to the Vestry meeting that a plan was already in place and that the groundwork for the Vestry’s recent actions have been devised over a number of months.

Third, whatever decisions or actions taken at the upcoming meetings have no official standing. That being said, I would be more than pleased to attend an open meeting of the congregation of St. Andrew’s at any mutually convenient time to respond to whatever questions and concerns you may have. As your bishop and chief pastor, I am always available to you.

It seems clear that some members of St. Andrew’s have already determined to break their affiliation with me and with the Diocese of Atlanta. Although I am always ready to do the hard work of reconciliation, that requires mutual commitment from others and I am sad that some have decided to take such action without any good faith effort at the gospel-centered work of reconciliation. At the same time, I highly prize our American freedom to exercise our religion in whatever manner we desire. If there are those who choose to leave our church, they go with my prayers and blessing. There are, however, several matters about which I need to be clear:

1. St. Andrew’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church is a parish of the Diocese of Atlanta and it will remain so. There is no action or decision, made either by me, the Vestry of St. Andrew’s, or any other party, that can alter that fact. In our church, dioceses are formed only by action of The General Convention, and parishes exist only in relationship to a bishop and diocese of this church. Clergy and people are free to come and go as they choose; a parish is a permanent reality of diocesan life unless and until the Annual Council of the Diocese of Atlanta should declare otherwise.

2. The Vestry is required by the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church to conduct its affairs within the provisions of those canons together with those of the Diocese of Atlanta. Should the Vestry take any willful action contrary to the Canons, then it would be incumbent upon me, with the advice and consent of the Standing Committee of the Diocese, to remove the Vestry and place St. Andrew’s under the care of those members of the parish who are prepared to adhere to the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Atlanta.

3. Since the question was raised by the Senior Warden in a recent conversation with the Canon to the Ordinary, it is appropriate to remind you that under the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, all real estate, real property, and financial assets of a parish are held in trust for the mission and ministry of the diocese within whose boundaries the parish exists, and further, for the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church. The Diocese of Atlanta is prepared to enforce the Canons of the church with respect to all of the property and assets of St. Andrew’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church.

As the Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta, I have a good working relationship with the clergy and people of our diocese. We do not always agree on every matter, but there is a strong commitment across the diocese to be in relationship with each other for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus. Positive relationships exist because of the mutual good will to do what is best to strengthen our common mission, working together to build up of the Body of Christ. Sadly, I have not been afforded the opportunity to build the sort of relationship with St. Andrew’s that I enjoy with the other parishes in the Diocese of Atlanta. It particularly distresses me that some in the St. Andrew’s family are willing to walk away without giving that relationship a chance to be nurtured. I believe that the Gospel of Jesus calls us into relationship with each other and those relationships are gifts of God given to us in Holy Baptism.

A word to those who are planning to stay and continue to be a part of St. Andrew’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church: It is my sincere desire to be your bishop and to walk the way of Christ with you, in love and gratitude for one another and in service to the Gospel of Jesus. The church in our diocese is strong and I want St. Andrew’s to continue to share in that strength as it has in the past. I desire nothing more than for St. Andrew’s to continue to grow and flourish in the mission of Jesus. I am prepared to stand with you and the Diocese of Atlanta is ready to do whatever is necessary so that the faithful Episcopalians at St. Andrew’s will continue to have a loving parish that is faithful to our great tradition and dedicated to the service of Christ.

Faithfully, in Christ,

The Right Reverend J. Neil Alexander, ThD, DD

Bishop of Atlanta

January 30, 2007