We, the undersigned, do hereby protest the use of Canon IV.9 against Bishop John David Schofield of San Joaquin. The use of this canon against the Bishop is for purposes for which the canon was never intended. This canon was conceived as a way of removing Bishops who had in fact joined another communion or church. Bishop Schofield, who was in attendance at the last General Convention, has not officially joined another communion or church, and has by no means renounced his Episcopacy in the Episcopal Church.
If Bishop Schofield has indeed violated any provision of the Constitution or Canons of the Episcopal Church, we call upon the review committee to charge him with a presentment and give the Bishop an opportunity for a trial and an appeal, as provided in the Canons. We decry the abuse of Canon IV.9 to summarily inhibit and/or depose a bishop who has not formally joined another church or communion not in communion with the Episcopal Church.
Respectfully submitted:
Bradley L. Drell, St. James, Alexandria, Diocese of Western Louisiana
Judge, Court of Review, Province VII
[Note surprising, the number of names I see on this petition from the Episcopal blogworld. I know +Schofield and would love to sign, but I'm so long gone from PECUSA I doubt it would count for anything. If you are in TEC, I urge you to consider signing this. --sionnsar]
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams.