Shyira writes to Arkansas The Bishop of Shyira, the Right Rev. John Rucyahana, has made public a letter that he wrote to the Bishop of Arkansas, the Right Rev. Larry E. Maze, on the topic of Rucyahana opening a parish church in Arkansas. Anglicans Online reported this event in April 1998. We reproduce the letter in its entirety, including the French-language telegraphic clutter surrounding it: EGLISE EPISCOPALE AU RWANDA Cptes bancaires Diocese de SHYIRA B.C.R KILGALI B.P.26 Ruhengeri 010-0004557-79 $US RWANDA 010-0004535-57 DM Tel: 46.602 (Bureau) 010-0004505-27 FRW 46.449 (Habitation) Fax: 46.449 (Fax) N/Ref: Shyira..19/6/1998 V/Ref: No ........ Objet: The Rt. Rev. Larry E. Maze The Diocese of Arkansas 300 West 17th Street P. O. Box 164668 Little Rock, Arkansas Fax: 501-372-2147 Dear Bishop Maze, RE: T. Johnson and St Andrew's Church. Thank you for your letter to me dated 27-4-98, which came to my office on the 10th of June 98. It is an opportunity to share my conviction and concern on the issue of the Rev T Johnson from the Diocese of South carolina. I will respond briefly on two issues raised in your communication: you said that the issue with The Rev Tom Johnson is not ideological. Which is so, even more deeply, it is doctrinal and fundamental faith. Your difference has been based on the concepts of faith on the person of Jesus, His purpose of incarnation, the virgin conception, the cross as an act of God for atomment of sins, resurrection and ascension. You differed on the Authority of the bible and its interpretation for this matter, you did not want St Andrew to exist as an Anglican community in your Diocese, they say, and Advised them to find an other home. My simple but clear concern and commitment is to give St Andrew's and Rev Johnson spiritual Asylum. I am saddened even more that you got at a point where Church leaders force people into schism. I pray that this congregation remains Anglican up to a time you resolve your differences. Give it a flying bishop, who will nurture their faith from your province. We have had flying bishops in the history of the Anglican communion on light differences, than such issues of faith between you and St Andrews. I am very flexible, as I said my role was to provide refuge for my fellow Anglicans, so, It will be my joy if you resolve this issue as Anglicans other them having St Andrew's to find an other home. As for the mentioned 72 resolutions of 1998 Lambeth Conference. The Unity of the Church is centered only in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, who did for our sins, rose from the dead and lives (as we have it in the Christian creeds). So the issue of boundaries and collegeality can not hold when the central Unity in Jesus is damaged. We have to revisit some issues. Faith is our priority and the rest are supportive measures. The Rev T. Johnson and St Andrew's community do not want to go into a schism. They want to remain Anglican. They were being pushed to the edge and applied for a refuge, they have it. I hope that you and your province will find a solution to this problem. With a copy of this letter am requesting The Rev T. Johnson and Judge Young to write in detail the cause and history of your differences. They also need to explain why did they appeal for assistance from Africa leaving the Bishops of your province and give copies to all the people I am giving copies of my response t your letter. Sincerely Yours, The Rt Rev John Rucyahana cc: - The Archbishop of Canterbury - The Archbishop of PEER - The Presiding Bishop EE.USA - All Primates - All Bishops - The Rev T. Johnson