Public Affairs

Following are the opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, by Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe to the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, meeting June 23-25 in Linthicum Heights, Maryland.

Dear People of God in The Episcopal Church: Last fall, shortly before I became presiding bishop, the intake office for bishops received a credible allegation that Bishop Marc Andrus, retired bishop of the Diocese of California, had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with an adult.  I am writing today to let you know that Bishop Andrus and I have reached an accord that resolves the Title IV matter resulting from this allegation.

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe received the following letter on May 14 from the Most Rev. Thabo Makgoba, archbishop of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa (ACSA). On May 12, Bishop Rowe announced that The Episcopal Church would end its refugee resettlement grant agreements with the U.S. government after being asked to resettle white Afrikaners from South Africa.

A delegation of leaders from the Anglican Communion—including Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe—will attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV on May 18 in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Italy.

Dear People of God in The Episcopal Church: I am writing today with some significant news about Episcopal Migration Ministries, the organization that leads The Episcopal Church’s refugee resettlement ministry.