Dear Friends:

A number of significant developments in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion have occurred over the past few months. In October, the Primates of Anglican Communion met in London and issued a statement regarding recent events in the Episcopal Church. Specifically, they (1) reaffirmed the resolutions made by the bishops of the Anglican Communion gathered at the Lambeth Conference in 1998 on issues of human sexuality (which generally contradict the actions of the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church related to same-sex blessings), (2) indicated that if the Episcopal Church proceeded with the ordination of Canon Gene Robinson as the next Bishop of New Hampshire "we (will) have reached a crucial and critical point in the life of the Anglican Communion and we have to conclude that the future of the Communion itself will be put in jeopardy," and (3) called on the Archbishop of Canterbury to provide a structure whereby Episcopal parishes who "dissent from the teaching and practice" established by actions of the Episcopal Church at its 74th General Convention be provided "alternative oversight." As you are probably aware, the Episcopal Church proceeded with the ordination of Canon Gene Robinson on November 2, 2003.

As a Vestry, we have been concerned about these developments in the Episcopal Church. In August, we publicly indicated our concerns related to actions of the 74th General Convention of the Episcopal Church by issuing a resolution in response to those actions. At that time, we began a process of discernment related to affiliation with the American Anglican Council (AAC). The AAC is a network of individuals, parishes, specialized ministries and Episcopal bishops who affirm Biblical authority and Anglican orthodoxy within the Episcopal Church. First organized in 1995, the AAC has been active in connecting individuals and parishes sharing similar beliefs in the Episcopal Church.

After a three-month period of discernment, we have decided to affiliate St. Mark's with the AAC. Affiliation with AAC does not mean we are leaving the Episcopal Church or the Diocese of Chicago. In fact, we believe that the AAC is serving as a beacon within the Episcopal Church -- calling the church back to its orthodox roots.

Given the current status of the Episcopal Church within the Anglican Communion, the AAC provides St. Mark's with a number of benefits. First, it connects our parish with other parishes in the Episcopal Church that share our concerns. Through the AAC, we are identifying where we stand with regard to recent actions of the Episcopal Church. Second, affiliation provides us with additional personnel and resources at a national level that may prove useful as events continue to develop and unfold. Finally, the AAC will play a significant role in discussions regarding any restructuring or realignment within the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. it is far too early in this process to know how restructuring might occur, but by being affiliated with the AAC, St. Mark's will have the ability to give and receive thoughts at a national and international level about the direction of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.

Much is happening in the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church. We would encourage you to seek out a Vestry member if you have questions or concerns. If you have time, visit the website of the American Anglican Council (www.americananglican.org). They have a great deal of information related to the recent developments in the Episcopal Church and many resources available for you to read. We would specifically encourage you to read the AAC Statement of Faith ("A Call to Stand") and their Mission Statement.

As in August, we continue to seek God's guidance for the days ahead (and covet your prayers); we reaffirm that St. Mark's will be a parish that welcomes and care for all people, including those who struggle with sexual issues. Please pray for the Anglican Communion and especially the Archbishop of Canterbury and the other Primates. Pray that the Episcopal Church will return to its orthodox roots and historical traditions. Pray for the leadership of the American Anglican Council and St. Mark's role within this organization. Pray the the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth of His word will be continually revealed in our church and in our nation. Finally, do not lose heart. We do not know the days ahead, but our God is faithful and will protect us ("I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)).

Serving Him with you,

The Vestry of St. Mark's