Monday, August 14, 2006

LC Reports: Bishop Lee, Bishop-Elect Minns Seek Solution

Bishop Lee, Bishop-Elect Minns Seek Solution

The Bishop of Virginia, the Rt. Rev. Peter Lee, announced that he and the Rev. Canon Martyn Minns, rector of Truro Church, Fairfax, are working together to address the ramifications of Canon Minns’ election by the Nigeria House of Bishops to serve as a bishop of the Church of Nigeria in the United States. Canon Minns’ consecration is scheduled for Aug. 20.

In a letter to his diocese Aug. 13, Bishop Lee noted that Truro had begun searching for a successor to Canon Minns prior to the Nigerian election in June, though he has not yet announced a resignation date. “While this situation presents many complex issues of governance and polity, the situation is made more complicated by the desire of the Truro Vestry to have Martyn continue as rector until his successor has been identified,” Bishop Lee wrote.

Bishop Lee met Aug. 12 with Canon Minns, diocesan chancellor Russ Palmore, and Truro parishioner Tom Yates. “While we have not yet reached an understanding of how this matter will be resolved, it was agreed that a joint statement would be prepared and released before the end of August that would respond to the various jurisdictional and pastoral challenges that are presented by this development,” Bishop Lee wrote. “I ask your prayers in the coming days and weeks that Martyn, the Truro Vestry, the diocesan Standing Committee and I might receive God’s grace at this time to discern a way forward that glorifies God and honors our Church.”

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