The Diocese of Central Florida is thankful to the Anglican Communion Institute, Inc. (ACI) for taking the initiative in making a statement ... about the nature of hierarchy and governance within the Episcopal Church. We fully support and are grateful for The Rt. Rev. John W. Howe, The Rt. Rev. Bruce MacPherson and the other signatories to the statement.

We fully share the concerns expressed in the statement regarding recent court filings and arguments made by the Presiding Bishop's chancellor to "turn The Episcopal Church's governance on its head."

We oppose any attempt, in this civil litigation or in any other secular forum to turn Dioceses into "subordinate units" of the General Convention, the Executive Council or the office of the Presiding Bishop -- something they never have been and must not become.