Christian leaders stand by Bishop

In an open letter to Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, Christian leaders -- including another bishop -- have rallied to the Bishop's defense, and hailed him as "faithful, honorable and trustworthy, [and] a friend in Christ with great integrity."

In the letter, the religious leaders from several denominations, including the Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists, Presbyterians and Disciples of Christ, declared: "We believe you, and, therefore, we do sincerely believe that the allegations against you are false."

The letter, distributed to the news media by the Capital Region Ecumenical Organization (CREO), came in reaction to recent claims of sexual misconduct against the Bishop.

The entire text of the letter and the list of signatories follows:

"As members and friends of the Capital Region Ecumenical Organization, we are writing to express our support, love and concern for you at this difficult time. We know you to be faithful, honorable and trustworthy, a friend in Christ with great integrity. We believe you, and, therefore, we do sincerely believe that the allegations against you are false. We pray earnestly for your vindication, and we hope that day will come speedily.

"As Jesus prayed for His accusers, our prayers are also with those who are making allegations against you. We know that you are doing the same. That also testifies to the strength of your character.

"Please know that you can call upon us for support and encouragement, and that our prayers are with you. We are honored to have you as a colleague in ministry. Peace and courage be with you."

The signers, listed alphabetically, include:

* Rev. William Barney, Albany District superintendent of the United Methodist Church;

* Rev. Stanley Bilinski of the Polish National Catholic Church;

* Rev. William Cotant, immediate past president of the Capital Area Council of Churches;

* Rev. Donna Elia, executive director of Troy Area United Ministries;

* Rev. Philip Grigsby, executive director of Schenectady Inner City Ministry;

* Rev. George Herrick, ecumenical chair of the Commission of Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns of the United Methodist Church;

* Rev Robert Hoffman, ecumenical officer of the Reformed Church in America, Regional Synod of Albany;

* Carol Jackson, administrative director of the Capital Area Council of Churches;

* Rev. Debra Jameson, community ministry, FOCUS Churches of Albany.

* Rev. Robert Lamar, past executive director of the Capital Area Council of Churches;

* Rev. Charles Lindholm, ecumenical officer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America;

* Misha Marvel, CREO coordinator;

* Rev. James Miller, past general presbyter of the Albany Presbytery;

* Rev. John Miller, executive director of the Capital Area Council of Churches;

* Bishop Susan Morrison of the Albany Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church;

* Rev. Magdalyn Sebastian, ecumenical officer of the Disciples of Christ, Northeastern Region;

* Rev. Cass Shaw, general presbyter of the Albany Presbytery;

* Rev. Marian Shearer, regional conference ministry of the United Church of Christ;

* Rev. James Slater, dean of the Hudson Mohawk Conference of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America;

* Warren Truland, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and

* Rev. Vernon Victorson, president of the Capital Area Council of Churches.

(2/19/04) [[In-content Ad]]