Date: June 19th 2010

Dear People of St. James:

Word has come to me that you and the Mission Congregation of St. Francis, Greenville, have laid plans to join forces in common life, ministry, and mission. Even at this very early stage in my episcopate, I am familiar with the long journey on which the Diocesan Hispanic Mission in the Upstate has been; and I rejoice at the hopeful prospect of St. James and St. Francis working in a gospel partnership – a partnership in which both communities will be strengthened, lives will be continually changed, and God will be glorified.

Please know that I stand with you and the people of St. Francis as your Bishop -- as your partner -- in this mission and look forward to walking with you in the time ahead. Thank you for your willingness to put faithful meaning into our common Diocesan purpose. As a result, we most certainly are: “One Body. One Mission. Changing Lives.” God bless you.

+Andrew
Upper South Carolina VIII