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Diocese of East Tennessee
[as transcribed from the hard copy by Louie Crew]
The Right Reverend Charles vonRosenberg, Bishop
Diocese of East Tennessee
401 Cumberland Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902-2302
August 31, 2001
Dr. Louie Crew
Diocese of Newark
31 Mulberry Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Dear Louie:
I am responding to your request to report on implementing the Lambeth
resolution "to listen to the experience of homosexual people" and "to
assure them that they are loved by God." I do note that the resolution
itself contains several other points and, further, that no prescribed
method for reporting on diocesan responses is specified. Nevertheless, I
will provide this information to you.
Since becoming bishop in East Tennessee in 1999, I have met with the two
organized chapters of Integrity in our diocese on several occasions. I
have shared in the Holy Eucharist, preached, and made myself available to
listen and to answer questions. In addition, I have met privately several
times with representatives of the gay and lesbian communities for the
expressed purpose of listening to their stories and attempting to identify
additional forums for those stories to be heard. As a result of our
agreed-upon strategy, I have contacted clergy in charge of our clericus
groups and have provided names of gay and lesbian individuals willing to
speak with them. I have encouraged those conversations, with some
success.
In addition, on various occasions -- and specifically at our yearly Clergy
Conference -- I have led general discussions about the importance of
conveying to homosexual people that they are loved by God. That
affirmation is basic to our common humanity and should not be in doubt. I
have spoken publicly and privately in those terms, and I am not aware of
any clergy person for whom I am responsible who disagrees.
I repeat my thanks to you for the ministry of communication in the
Episcopal Church that you so ably fulfill.
Faithfully,
[signed]
Charles G. vonRosenberg