Ligonier Township Episcopalian priest's leadership expands

From The Pittsburgh Tribune-

A Ligonier Township priest who is prominent in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has been named to a senior national leadership group of the Episcopal Church.

The church's executive council voted Monday to name the Rev. James B. Simons, rector of St. Michael of the Valley, Rector, as its newest member. The 38-member executive council serves as a board of directors of the Episcopal Church between sessions of the general convention, which meets every three years.

"I'm honored to be asked to serve the church in such a significant capacity," Simons said. "I am also pleased the executive council has chosen someone from among the dioceses that are currently rebuilding. In Pittsburgh, we have learned that people with differing views can work together to bring all people to the gospel of Jesus Christ."

This new appointment tops a list of responsibilities Simons has assumed at the national level of the Episcopal Church.

At the 2009 general convention, he became chairman of the House of Deputies Dispatch of Business Committee, a gatekeeper for the flow of convention business. He has been a deputy to the general convention seven times. He has just concluded nine years as a member of the president of the House of Deputies' Council of Advice, having served in that position under two House presidents.

Simons succeeds Bishop-elect Ian Douglas, who is resigning from executive council because of his election as bishop of Connecticut. Simons will serve the remainder of the term and will continue as rector of St. Michael's, a position he has held since 1988.

Simons is a Pittsburgh native and was ordained a priest of the Episcopal Church in 1985. He graduated in 1980 from Allegheny College and in 1985 from Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, where he also received his doctorate of ministry in 2007.

He and his wife, Lisa, have three children.

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