Via Media USA encourages each Episcopalian to respond carefully to the draft Anglican Covenant. The Episcopal Church's Executive Council has asked for responses to this document by June 4, 2007, both by individuals and organizations. The draft may be found at: http://www.aco.org/commission/d_covenant/downloads.cfm. The Episcopal Church's Study Guide to the draft may be found at: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/documents/CovenantStudyGuide_English.pdf. Responses should be made directly to: gcsecretary@episcopalchurch.org.

Though, in our opinion, this draft carries more than its fare share of fatal flaws and outrages, it deserves serious consideration in response, and not a simple summary dismissal. The most helpful guide to the document, we believe, is the presentation entitled: "Interpreting the Proposed Anglican Covenant through the Communiqué." This was written by a member of the Covenant Design Group, the Rev. Dr. A. Katherine Grieb of Virginia Theological Seminary, and delivered as an address to the House of Bishops this past March. It may be found at: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_83906_ENG_HTM.htm.

Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh (PEP) has also prepared a one page summary, and is developing an annotated version, of the draft covenant. They will be posted at: http://progressiveepiscopalians.org as they become available. May God's grace be with you as you make your responses to the draft Anglican Covenant. ###