The Free Press’s excellent David Crumm turns in an extensive piece on the growth of Orthodox churches. The impetus for the piece is apparently a conference:

Social scholars say the churches are growing in the United States through immigration and conversion. Next week, many of Detroit’s Orthodox leaders will host the first in a series of conferences planned nationwide for non-Orthodox clergy who want to explore conversion.

Why the fresh interest? Fenton said many Christians feel battered by storms of theological controversy in their own churches over issues as basic as the divinity of Jesus. In contrast, he said, Orthodoxy represents an oasis of Christian tradition with its centuries-old style of worship and timeless celebration of the mysterious power of saints.

"So many people feel that the world is constantly changing all around them, and they want to find something that’s so deeply rooted that it won’t change on them," Fenton said. "I think that’s the biggest thing that Orthodoxy brings to the American table."

The article isn’t completely clear on this, but it appears that invitations were sent to Episcopal priests to attend (sort a reverse of the Grace Church "invitation"). I don’t know if it was a broad invitation or if it was extended to selected clergy, but still, it rankled, understandably:

Trying to welcome prospective converts is tricky, especially if they are clergy in other denominations. Nathaniel acknowledged that the recent invitation to Episcopal clergy to attend next week’s conference in Detroit may have been awkward.

The letter from Nathaniel and other Orthodox leaders affiliated with the St. Andrew House Center for Orthodox Christian Studies in Detroit mentioned that they believe Episcopal priests are going through "a time of trial" because of theological debates in their church.

"That may not have been the best phrase to use, but we know that there are debates going on about core beliefs in a number of denominations," Nathaniel said. "And we want people to know that we’re not trying to focus only on the Episcopal Church. We’re hoping that these conferences will become an ongoing program, and we will welcome clergy from other denominations at future conferences."

Detroit’s Episcopal Bishop Wendell Gibbs said last week that he was annoyed when he found out about the conference. Over the years, he has befriended local Orthodox leaders through ecumenical organizations, so it was "surprising to discover third-hand from one of my clergy that the Orthodox were inviting our priests to this.