Rt. Rev. John Howe responds to Rt. Rev. William Swing
Monday, April 25, 2005
John Howe has responded:
Dear +Bill,
You wrote in "The Witness" that you
"would like to know from 'the Network bishops'":
Why do you usually avoid House of Bishops meetings? And why will you not go to the altar rail and receive Communion alongside your sister and brother bishops? Rumor has it that you receive lots of money from private foundations and give it to support African bishops who, in turn, will attack the Episcopal Church. Is there an audit of your receipts and disbursements? Could I review it? What are the goals of the foundations that financially support you? What African bishops receive your money? What American Episcopalians whom you know are on the staffs of African bishops? If the bishops of the Episcopal Church are not invited to Lambeth Conference 2008 but the Network bishops with Bishop Robert Duncan as head are invited, will you attend? What are the names of Network bishops who have consulted lawyers to ascertain the possibilities of someday separating "Network properties" from "Episcopal Church properties?" In what situations around the USA is the Network in conversation with individual congregations, strategizing as to how the congregation can leave the Episcopal Church, take its assets, and join the Network? It is stated that Bishop Duncan is on record as promising "to wage guerilla warfare on the Episcopal Church." Is this true? Also on the House floor he has been accused of paying lay people of his diocese to go to a neighboring diocese to try to persuade conservative members to leave the Episcopal Church and join the Network. Is that true?
I can answer only for myself.
I do not avoid the meetings, and I do go to the Lord's Table with my brother and sister bishops. I have never received any money from a private foundation, for any purpose whatsoever. Our Diocesan Board directed that a one time gift be sent to the Province of Uganda. I have sent discretionary money to Bishop William Rukirande's Solar Africa project (he is the retired bishop of Kigesi, Uganda). An American priest of my acquaintance is the Canon to Archbishop Henry Orombi of Uganda.
If I am invited to the next Lambeth Conference, of course I will attend.
I have no knowledge of any of the other things you inquire about.
Warmest regards in our Lord,
The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe
Episcopal Bishop of Central Florida
1017 East Robinson Street
Orlando, Florida 32801
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