DALLAS -- Orthodox Episcopalians at the "A Place to Stand" conference have unveiled their official "call to action" statement – and it falls short of a call to break away from the main denomination.

According to an article in AgapePress, American Anglican Council President Canon David Anderson made it clear to those at the conference that the group is not going to leave. To those Episcopalians outraged with their denomination's approval of an openly homosexual bishop, he had these words: "Don't jump ship until we can get the lifeboats in place." See related article, "Episcopalians dig into talk of split."

Anderson told conservative Anglicans they are "standing on the fulcrum of history," and pleaded with them to remain patient in this time of crisis.

"Wait out the night with us. We need every man and woman here, every orthodox believer at home. Don't leave -- the fight is just beginning," Anderson said.

"God did not prepare you and bless you and equip you with both natural and supernatural gifts in order to go into battle and run for safety. This is your hour; this is your destiny; this is your church. We are the legitimate Episcopal Church of our fathers and mothers."

Following Anderson's address, thousands of traditionalist Episcopalians rushed to sign a "call to action" statement proclaiming the Great Commission as their highest calling and repudiating the actions of their national church, the article said.

Thousands of Episcopalians have already signed on to a statement calling on the leadership of the Episcopal Church to "repent and reverse" their actions.