February 21, 2008Dear People of St. Johns: We want all members of the parish to have accurate information regarding issues that have arisen concerning the call of a new Rector of St. John’s. On February 14, 2008, your Wardens, Interim Rector, and Bishop had a very open and frank discussion regarding St. John’s search for a new rector. The tone of the meeting was one of mutual respect and understanding. We acknowledged our differences and discussed how we will move forward together. The bishop is concerned for the diocese as a whole, of which St. John’s is an integral part. We recognize that not only the diocese, but St. John’s itself, is diverse in its opinions on the matter of gay and lesbian partnered priests. The bishop is proud of St. John’s and is supportive of its witness for social justice in Charleston and beyond. All of us agree that we want to call the best rector to join us on that journey. The bishop remains committed to his January 15 statement that any candidate for rector or priest-in-charge in this diocese must be in a marriage recognized by the Episcopal Church, USA, or be single. This decision may affect the outcome of St. John’s search process. We understand that the decisions regarding calling a rector to St. John’s have caused consternation within our parish and that unsubstantiated rumors, all of which we believe to be untrue, have increased the level of concern. We want to stress that St. John’s search committee has never intentionally sought a gay or lesbian priest. Rather, St. John’s mission statement and church profile have guided the committee’s careful consideration of all candidates for the position of rector. Furthermore, the diocesan deployment officer, The Ven. Faith Perrizo, and the committee have carefully examined all candidates. As authorized by the vestry, our search committee continues the discernment process as outlined by the diocese with visits to all candidates who have been found qualified to be St. John’s new rector. Also it should be noted that all of us agree that further dialogue within the diocese on the issue of human sexuality is desirable. We are committed to continuing that dialogue, and we believe it can be productive.
Faithfully yours, Rebecca Burns David Vick The Rev. David R. Hackett The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer
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