INTEGRITY APPLAUDS SLATE OF CANDIDATES FOR BISHOP OF MINNESOTA

August 1, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Integrity applauds the Diocese of Minnesota for the stellar slate of qualified candidates released today to replace retiring Bishop James Jelinek. "The Diocese of Minnesota is leading the way for the rest of The Episcopal Church," said Integrity President Susan Russell, "as they move us forward into a future where the resolutions we passed at our recent General Convention become a reality."

That reality--which was stated in Resolution D025--is "that God's call to the ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church is a mystery which the Church attempts to discern for all people through our discernment processes acting in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church."

Integrity is delighted that The Episcopal Church has opened the way for dioceses like Minnesota to field the best possible slate of candidates for the episcopate. "We hope that other dioceses will recognize that "discern for all people" really means ALL" said Russell, "and that the actions of our General Convention will put a sad chapter of discrimination against the LGBT baptized behind us."

It is now up to the Diocese of Minnesota to do the discernment work they have been called to do. We extend congratulations to all the candidates--any one of whom will make a fine bishop for The Episcopal Church--and will pray for the Diocese of Minnesota as they discern together who God is calling to be their bishop.

PRESS CONTACT

(The Reverend) Susan Russell, President
president@integrityusa.org
714-356-5718 (mobile)

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