May 26, 2023
Dear Former Members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Montvale,
After more than two years of navigating prolonged conflict, the vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Montvale voted to end weekly services on-site and to petition the Bishop and Standing Committee for a change of status from parish to an incorporated mission church. On May 3, 2023, the Standing Committee and I approved the reclassification change. As a mission church, I serve as the rector, ex-officio, and St. Paul’s building and assets are vested in the Trustees of the Episcopal Fund and Diocesan Properties.
This letter in no way explains the impact of the wear and tear of prolonged conflict on the faithful leaders of St. Paul’s that contributed to the decision to reclassify the church The regular use of inflammatory language and/or uncivil behavior by some, in turn, invited abusive and dangerous acts by others, some of whom had no personal connection to the parish. Further, the ongoing harassment of members and the former priest-in-charge is ongoing and continues an unholy and unacceptable pattern that endangers physical safety, destroys ministry, and prevents healing. I urge anyone indulging in such behavior to cease immediately.
Next fall, a small group will begin meeting to pray and discern options for future ministry at St. Paul’s. There is no time frame or goal for this discernment. My hope is that, over time, this group will develop a vision of God’s plan for St. Paul’s.
In the meantime, there are some who will want to visit the memorial garden. Access to the garden is available during daylight hours. All church buildings are closed for use at this time.
This is a sad and sobering outcome for St. Paul’s, especially for those who labored faithfully to heal conflict and were committed to the ongoing mission and ministry of the parish. While it is disheartening that so many efforts were rejected, I am certain that there is a ministry for St Paul’s at some point in the future. Until that time arrives, please continue to hold St. Paul’s in your prayers.
and
Grace peace, The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes Bishop of Newark