Friday, October 10, 2008
By Ann Rodgers, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has recognized as the true Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh those who refused to secede Saturday with the majority of local Episcopalians into the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone in South America.
She confirmed the Rev. James Simons and two others as the "rightful Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh." The Standing Committee governs in the absence of a bishop. The Rev. Simons, rector of St. Michael of the Valley, Ligonier, was the only member of the previous Standing Committee to oppose secession.
Both dioceses now call themselves "the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh."
"The presiding bishop's word today was certainly welcome news," said Rich Creehan, spokesman for the U.S.-based Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh.
The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh (Anglican) called her decision irrelevant.
"Though Presiding Bishop Schori's actions aren't surprising, they are without effect. We continue to be the same Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh we've always been, in the same churches, pews and offices, with the same commitment to Anglicanism rooted in biblical truth and witness," it said.
The split was led by those who believe many Episcopal bishops have abandoned classic Christian doctrine. So far, 19 of 74 congregations have said they will not secede.
The Rev. Simons has appointed two others to the Standing Committee: the Rev. Jeffrey Murph of St. Thomas, Oakmont, and Mary Roehrich, a member of St. Andrew's, Highland Park. Like the Rev. Simons, the Rev. Murph is theologically conservative, while Ms. Roehrich is more liberal.
He also named the Rev. Scott Quinn of the Church of the Nativity, Crafton, "director of pastoral care" for those from divided parishes. The Rev. Quinn will hold a meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. in Trinity Cathedral, Downtown. The cathedral serves both dioceses.
The Episcopal diocese will hold a convention Dec. 13.
The Episcopal diocese is at www.episcopalpgh.org.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08284/918841-85.stm
3 comments:
The use of the phrase "Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh" (EDP) seems to be a little confusing. May I suggest two possible solutions? The terms should be:
1. EDP(TEC) and EDP(SC)
or
2. EDP (TEC) and Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh, ADP(SC)
For some reason one party seems to be reluctant to state clearly of which Province they are members, TEC or SC.
I saw recent correspondence to all parishes of the EDP signed by the standing committee, but no names were appended. From the context (and the newspaper articles) I was able to determine that the correspondence was from the one in the Southern Cone. But they did not so state that in the letter.
I will not claim that they are being deceptive, but I believe they are being at least confusing.
So I appeal to the Southern Cone Diocese to use the Province name in all official correspondence and things will be more clear.
Last time I checked, Jim, the Presiding Bishop presides over the House of Bishops. She has has no jurisdiction over diocesan standing committees. Diocesan standing committees are elected by council, which includes clergy and the laity elected by the congregations. The Presiding Bishop has no authority over a standing committee. That was for a reason - the same reason as why the TEC founders rejected having archbishops. The governing authority is at the diocesan and congregational level, not out of some highrise in Manhattan.
The Presiding Bishop could declare the sky is purple and it might be rather interesting, but it doesn't make the sky purple.
bb
bb. The relevant canon is I.2.4 (a) (3). Duties of the Presiding Bishop. "In the event of an Episcopal vacancy within a Diocese, consult with the Ecclesiastical Authority to ensure that adequate interim Episcopal Services are provided."
The Presiding Bishop in her letter offered her staff to consult with the Standing Committee about obtaining appropriate Episcopal assistance. This constitutes her "recognition" of the Standing Committee.
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