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Summary of
Analysis:
Note -
The statistics are based on the number of bishops
responding, not the total number of bishops:
·
No
bishops indicated that action should be taken to
identify false teachers or to prune away withered
branches in either the case of the Karen Dammann trial
verdict or the dismissal of charges of heresy against
Bishop Sprague.
·
Five
of the bishops commented on the Bishop Sprague doctrinal
issues (three of concern, two of support).
·
Forty-three (out of 50 US bishops) bishops have
commented on the Dammann Trial verdict or the issues
raised, either by direct statement or comment on dealing
with these issues at GC in March and April 2004. The
following bishops have not been included in the matrix
as of 4/21/2004 (no statement found):
§
Columbia Episcopal Area - Bishop J. Lawrence
Mccleskey
§
Pittsburgh Episcopal Area - Bishop Hae-jong Kim
§
Kansas Episcopal Area - Bishop A. Frederick Mutti
§
Missouri Episcopal Area - Bishop Ann B. Sherer
§
Albany Episcopal Area - Bishop Susan M. Morrison
§
Boston Episcopal Area - Bishop Susan W. Hassinger
§
Phoenix Episcopal Area, Bishop William W. Dew Jr.
·
63% of
the bishops indicated by their statements on the Dammann
Trial verdict that the unity of the UMC was of
overriding importance.
·
36% of
the bishops indicated by their statements that the
Dammann Trial verdict was in error.
·
58% of
the bishops indicated by their statements that there
should be continued dialogue on the issue of full
inclusion of those who are practicing homosexuals.
·
72% of
the bishops indicated by their statements that they
would uphold the current BOD.
·
79% of
the bishops indicated that this issue should be
addressed by General Conference.
We urge you to contrast what the Bishops responses are with
Our Lord Jesus Christ’s stern warnings to the Churches:
Revelation 2: 18 "Write
this letter to the angel of the church in Thyatira. This
is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are
bright like flames of fire, whose feet are like polished
bronze:
19 "I
know all the things you do – your love, your faith, your
service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your
constant improvement in all these things.
20 But
I have this complaint against you. You are permitting
that woman – that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet –
to lead my servants astray. She is encouraging them to
worship idols, eat food offered to idols, and commit
sexual sin.
21 I
gave her time to repent, but she would not turn away
from her immorality.
22 Therefore,
I will throw her upon a sickbed, and she will suffer
greatly with all who commit adultery with her, unless
they turn away from all their evil deeds.
23 I
will strike her children dead. And all the churches will
know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and
intentions of every person. And I will give to each of
you whatever you deserve.
24 But
I also have a message for the rest of you in Thyatira
who have not followed this false teaching ('deeper
truths,' as they call them – depths of Satan, really). I
will ask nothing more of you
25 except
that you hold tightly to what you have until I come.
26 "To
all who are victorious, who obey me to the very end, I
will give authority over all the nations.
27 They
will rule the nations with an iron rod and smash them
like clay pots.
28 They
will have the same authority I received from my Father,
and I will also give them the morning star!
29 Anyone
who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and
understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches.
Revelation 3:14 "Write
this letter to the angel of the church in
Laodicea. This is the
message from the one who is the Amen – the faithful and
true witness, the ruler of God's creation:
15 "I
know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor
cold. I wish you were one or the other!
16 But
since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out
of my mouth!
17 You
say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need
a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched
and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
18 I
advise you to buy gold from me – gold that has been
purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy
white garments so you will not be shamed by your
nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be
able to see.
19 I
am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love.
Be diligent and turn from your indifference.
20 "Look!
Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me
calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will
share a meal as friends.
21 I
will invite everyone who is victorious to sit with me on
my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my
Father on his throne.
22 Anyone
who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and
understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches."
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