Statement On The Nottingham Meeting

The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley, Jr., Bishop of Alabama
       The Rt. Rev. Mark H. Andrus, Bishop Suffragan
 Issued: June 8, 2005

In the interest of deeper understanding and reconciliation in the churches of
the Anglican Communion, the Windsor Report called for a process of listening and
study on issues of human sexuality.

A part of this process will be a presentation by an ad hoc committee of the
Episcopal Church to the meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC)
beginning June 17 in Nottingham, England, as requested by the Windsor Report and
the primates' meeting. The presentation will attempt to demonstrate theologically
how blessing for same sex unions would meet the "criteria of scripture, tradition, and
reason" and "would constitute growth in harmony with the apostolic tradition as it has
been received." (Windsor Report, 141)

This presentation will not represent the official views of the Episcopal
Church or the House of Bishops. It is the work of the ad hoc committee composed
primarily of theologians appointed by the Presiding Bishop and his Canon
Theologian, who are charged with presenting one viewpoint as requested.

This next step in the listening and study process recommended by the
Windsor Report and the primates of the Anglican Communion is meant to contribute
to the conversation and further discussion in the church about the issues before us.