A very nice waste of words. Apparently +Mark and the presiding bishop have spoken. From what I hear, her first words were “Why are you still here?”
This does not sound like a promising opportunity for “healing conversation”.

At any rate, the Gospel proclaimed by THE Diocese of South Carolina has little to do with the “gospel” proclaimed by TEC. +Mark has been outspoken in his condemnation of the policies of TEC and those in charge don’t want to hear it. As a Diocese, we have stood up against the unconstitutional Title IV changes that were slipped through at the last General Convention. That is why +Mark has been targeted with these outrageous charges.

I had hoped for a better response from the Upper Diocese, but they have feet of clay.

her first words were “Why are you still here?”

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.

Why don’t they just abbreviate the excessive wording. You know they wanted to.

Whereas, we all have issues,
Whereas, we should here quote some trite sounding verse of Holy Writ out of context,
Whereas, we say something about tension and Baptismal covenant,
RESOLVED, that you children just get along.

Colossians 3:12-17:

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Kudos for Upper South Carolina’s effort, which seems more consistent with Scripture than that of its former bishop and the Presiding Bishop with her kangaroo courts.

This is “curiouser”.  What exactly would an unaccompanied meeting between these two garner?  In my opinion, hot air.

The Resolution is helpful and righteous, as is Bishop Waldo’s editorial in The State.

Unfortunately, from a Scriptural standpoint, this resolution is not really worth the paper it is written on.  I recommend that the good folks at Christ Church, Greenville and/or the Diocese of Upper South Carolina embark on a study of what Scripture says about false prophets and false teachers.  They can start with Romans 16:17-18 which says

“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” 

Then they can move on to 2 John 1:10-11 which states

“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” 

That’s a good start, and then they can go on from there.

If the Presiding Bishop’s plan is to prevent Bishop Lawrence and SC Diocese delegates from attending and voting at the next General Convention, I doubt that she will agree to the meet with Bishop Lawrence as this letter suggests.