The letter, dated January 9 and received by Iker on January 15, was intended to be a pastoral exchange between the Presiding Bishop and Iker, according to Episcopal Church Public Affairs Officer Neva Rae Fox.

In a short statement posted on the Fort Worth website along with a copy of the letter, Iker termed the letter "a second threatening letter."

Jefferts Schori wrote that she continues to assert that "individuals may leave" the Episcopal Church "but congregations and dioceses do not."

She wrote that she believes that "any encouragement of such a belief, or action toward departure, as I believe it to be a violation of the vows we have both repeatedly taken to 'conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Episcopal Church."'

In addition, she wrote, "I lament your belief that clergy and laity with your theological position are being systematically eliminated from positions of leadership and influence.

"If they are disappearing, it is by their own decision and at their own hands," she wrote.

Jefferts Schori told Iker that she and House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson have  "carefully" worked to "ensure broad representation in appointment to various bodies," adding that both they and their predecessors have "have also sought to include all theological positions in appointments within our purview."

Lastly, the Presiding Bishop acknowledged Iker's concern about "those who stand by their convictions being threatened with depositions and lawsuits."

"I would also note that depositions and lawsuits have no substance if there has been no violation," Jefferts Schori wrote. "Fear of the same is probably not rational if there is no basis for same."