Episcopalian split questioned

From the Washington PA Observer Reporter.

After the convention vote, Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who oversees the national Episcopal Church, issued a statement recognizing those who voted against the realignment as the "true church."

The Rev. James Simons, the standing committee's one member who opposed seceding, said other parishes may eventually decide to remain. In the absence of a bishop, the standing committee becomes the ecclesiastical authority. In September Schori removed Robert Duncan, bishop of the Pittsburgh Diocese, from office. A previous committee had determined that Bishop had abandoned the communion of the church.

Simons, of St. Michael's in the Valley Church in Ligonier, said the diocese that has chosen to remain with the Anglican Province now has an office in Brackenridge. It will hold a reorganizational meeting Dec. 13. An informational meeting was held Thursday in Trinity Cathedral in Pittsburgh.

Like Frank, Simons would like to see the two sides talk the separation through and avoid litigation.

Full story here-
http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/10-17-local-Episcopals-split