Louie,

I take exception to your take on what any body language at Atlanta may have meant. To be honest, I don't remember shaking my head with a "No" when Vince Eareckson spoke of the efficacy of the sacraments. I am not a Donatist, and have never questioned the validity of sacraments celebrated by Charles Bennison. The issue for me and Good Shepherd(and those who have rallied around us) is that of not being in communion with a false teacher - which scripture and early church practice upholds. This raises the question of what constitutes broken communion. My position has consistently been that by Charles Bennison publicly advancing teachings that are clearly outside the corporate mind of the Anglican Communion as enshrined in its formularies, he has stepped outside of the Church. The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist demands a unity of belief and practice that conforms to the universal tradition of the Church Catholic if we truly are to honor its primary raison d'être.

As you know, the Eames Commission spoke of impaired communion in regard to differing positions of women's ordination, but ESA(now FIF) has spoken of the unfortunate condition of broken communion when there are those who advance a moral teaching that is outside of the received religion of historic Christianity.

On a lighter note, Jan Nunley sent me a photo of you and me together in Atlanta. We're all smiles. I am glad you were there.

In Christ,

David L. Moyer+