Thousands Petition Episcopal Church for Financial Transparency
Over 5,000 people have signed a petition demanding financial transparency from The Episcopal Church as the threat of schism looms closer over the global Anglican Communion weeks ahead of a critical deadline.
The petition specifically demands The Episcopal Church – the U.S. branch of Anglicanism – reveal how much money it has spent since 2004 on litigation against individuals and parishes.
One of the largest lawsuits filed by the U.S. denomination involves 11 Virginia churches that voted to leave in December. The breakaway Anglicans argue that The Episcopal Church has departed from Anglican tradition and orthodox Christianity. Their split with the American denomination was to remain faithful to the 77-milllion member Anglican Communion.
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The petition for financial transparency had begun about a month ago, asking Episcopalians and conservative Anglicans if they had any concerns over The Episcopal Church's funding in the string of lawsuits. The American Anglican Council (AAC), which is keeping the petition open to get more voices heard, will most likely reveal the signatories, said AAC communications assistant Robert H. Lundy.
"This petition represents a cry from thousands of current and former members of The Episcopal Church," said the Rev. Canon David C. Anderson, president and CEO of the conservative AAC.
Earlier this year, Anglican leaders worldwide requested that The Episcopal Church back away from property litigation. However, lawyers for the U.S. denomination said it would be "premature" to withdraw from court action.
Last month, five retired Episcopal bishops sent a second letter to the Executive Council – an elected body that represents the whole of The Episcopal Church – again expressing concern to threats of litigation and calling for financial transparency.
The bishops have not received any response to date.
"This contentious issue is not something to be ignored in hopes that it will dissipate or be forgotten. Because you have not pulled the veil from this issue, conjecture as to where the money is coming from is almost limitless," stated the retired bishops in the letter.
Concerns were raised due to past incidents of questionable financial decisions and financial mismanagement among leaders in The Episcopal Church, according to the five bishops.
The latest petition, announced over the weekend, was signed by 3,583 Episcopalians and 1,747 "Non-Episcopal Anglicans" protesting against The Episcopal Church's continued lawsuits against former parishes and individuals. Signatories have now reached 5,700, according to AAC's Lundy.
The Episcopal Church faces a Sept. 30 deadline to respond to requests made earlier this year by Anglican leaders who lead the communion's 38 provinces to make an unequivocal pledge not to consecrate another openly gay bishop or authorize official prayers for same-sex couples. Controversy had heightened when The Episcopal Church consecrated its first openly gay bishop – V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire – in 2003.
Further action by the AAC with regards to the petition is not likely to occur around the Sept. 30 deadline in order to keep the focus on the primates' requests, according to Lundy.
The American Anglican Council is a network of individuals (laity, deacons, priests and bishops), parishes and specialized ministries who affirm biblical authority and Christian orthodoxy within the Anglican Communion.
