From Bishop Steven:

On Wednesday last week I had a meeting with Stu and Mary Crosson of St Matthew’s Dunedin, and they informed me of their decision – taken after a great deal of prayer, thought and discussion – to leave the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, NZ and Pasifika. I have accepted Stu’s resignation as Vicar, and the following made up some of my written reply:

“Thank you for taking the time and trouble to visit personally and to give me your Letter of Resignation as Vicar of St Matthew’s, Dunedin. I receive and accept your decision, though with the “heavy heart” that you so clearly expressed.

I want to thank you for your service to St Matthew’s over the years, and your commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you also for your friendship to me personally in the few months that I have been in Dunedin Diocese.

Without wanting to ignore the differences in theology or interpretation that have led you to this place, I want to publicly affirm our joint commitment to Jesus Christ, and the expression of the love of God that his life and example brings us. With you, I am confident in the resurrection and remained assured of our membership of the family and Kingdom of God.”

Stu’s last working Sunday is yet to be finalised.

I want to wish the Crosson family God’s blessing for their future, and to thank Stu for his 13 years of service to the Parish and Diocese.

I recognise that change in leadership can often be very disturbing, and how uncertainty is seldom welcome, but I want to affirm my commitment to the ongoing mission of St Matthew’s, Hope St, Dunedin and to the pastoral care of the congregation as together we plan for the future.