Letter from the Most Rev Leonard Riches Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church

May 25, 2012

To the Rector, Wardens, Vestry and Congregation

of Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church

Peters Township, Pennsylvania

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Greetings to all of you in the name of our risen and ascended Lord, Jesus Christ!  As you prepare to enter upon a new phase of your life together as the people of God we want to assure you of our heartfelt love and prayerful support.

In these days of transition may the testimony of the Apostle Paul be your confidence as well.  "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him....I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."  (Philippians 3:7-10) 

Your faithful commitment to the faith once delivered to the saints, and your courageous and sacrificial stand for the truth as it is in Jesus, are a strong witness and a great encouragement to all faithful Christians.  We are confident that God will reward the integrity of your firm resolve with new and abundantly fruitful opportunities for serving Him together and effectively building the Kingdom of Christ.

You are in our hearts, and will remain in our prayers throughout the days ahead  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as your trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

Faithfully yours, in Christ,

(The Most Rev.) Leonard W. Riches

Presiding Bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church (ACNA)