The Bishop's Notes
Bishop Philip Duncan, II
The Coastline October 2007
Bishop Philip M. Duncan, II
Pensacola,FL
Notes from Bishop Duncan during the House of Bishop’s meeting in New Orleans in September
September 25
Much of the day was spent in prayer, worship and conversation around our response to the Primate's request and to the Anglican Consultative Counsel. Various documents were looked at, considered and evaluated; several were sent to the writing committees for redrafting. We spent several hours in executive session 
working on documents for the church, for the primates and for the ACC. All of these took a great deal of time and it was important that all sides of the various issues be considered and represented so that "the Church" be included in the fullest sense possible. I was impressed by the leadership through this "morass of materials and documents" by our Presiding Bishop who had both a grasp of the various issues and the grace to help us all move beyond partisanship into the fullness of "being the Church Catholic." We ended our sessions very late and various writing groups worked well into the night. Our guests from the ACC will leave in the morning and we were blessed and informed by having them with us for the greater part of this meeting.
September 26
The following is the text of the document from the House of Bishops:
Document from the House of Bishops...I believe this document does what we were requested to do by the Primates and also is truthful in stating where we are and what we are able to do. It does not make everyone "happy." Both "extremes" wanted more. We spent a good deal of time with all sides in conversation in small table groups and in the larger body in plenary (executive) session praying, sharing and doing the work that theological discourse calls us to do. I believe the document states the truth of who we are as a diverse Church at this time and also that we are willing to stay together and work together.
In our diocese and in a majority of the dioceses in the Episcopal Church nothing changes. We continue to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel, administer the sacraments, do the pastoral work with our people and reach out into the world to minister to those in need in the name of Jesus Christ.
September 27
Regarding: “Statement by the Secretary General on behalf of the Joint Committee of the Primates and the Anglican Consultative Council”...I along with all the bishops hope and pray that the outcome and conclusion will bring us all as members of the Anglican Communion closer together in the work of the Gospel. Thank you all for your continued prayers in this important work and ministry.
October 3
Regarding: “Joint Standing Committee submits Report on House of Bishops' meeting”...This is an important reply from the Committee which was present at the recent House of Bishops' meeting in New Orleans. This material has gone out to the Primates and other members of the Anglican Consultative Council. I ask that you keep the work of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion in your prayers.
I am,
Yours in His Holy Name,
Bishop Duncan
bishopduncan@diocgc.org
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