Episcopal Bishop Swims Tiber
Episcopal Bishop John Lipscomb of Southwest Florida has issued an open letter about his decision to seek reception in the Catholic Church.
November 20, 2007,
Dear Friends in Christ,I have communicated to the Presiding Bishop my request to be released from my ordination vows and the obligations and responsibilities of a member of the House of Bishops. I have taken this step in order to be received into the Catholic Church. Through a long season of prayer and reflection Marcie and I have come to believe this is the leading of the Holy Spirit and God’s call to us for the next chapter of our lives. We are grateful to our brother in Christ, the Most Rev. Robert N. Lynch, the Bishop of St. Petersburg, for his openness to our request and for his prayerful support…
I believe God is now calling us to continue our ministry to serve in the healing of the visible Body of Christ in the world. I am convinced our Lord’s deepest desire is for the unity of the Church.
I am absolutely amazed at the courage that a move like this must take. We are praying for you and your family.