Parishes, Dioceses Reach Amicable Settlements

From The Living Church (last week)

In another case, St. Philip’s Church, Moon Township, will buy property from the Diocese of Pittsburgh and sever its ties with the ACNA for at least five years.

In the same diocese, Somerset Anglican Fellowship will surrender leased property and some liturgical artifacts to the Episcopal diocese but will retain its affiliation with the ACNA.

“We have some principles to uphold, but we don’t want to be cruel,” said the Rt. Rev. Kenneth L. Price Jr., Bishop of Pittsburgh, in an interview with The Living Church. Price said the diocese consulted with David Booth Beers, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s chancellor, throughout the negotiations.

The Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh, led by Archbishop Robert Duncan of the ACNA, objected strongly to both of those settlements. It characterized the St. Philip’s settlement as raising issues of church-state separation because of the stipulation that the parish must break its previous ties.

Bishop Duncan issued a godly directive that requires his clergy to consult with the Anglican diocese before engaging in any discussions with the Episcopal diocese.

In the Diocese of Virginia, Church of Our Saviour, Oatlands, will lease property from the diocese for five years and will not affiliate with the Anglican District of Virginia, CANA or the ACNA.

“It is truly heartening for us to come to an agreement,” said the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, Bishop of Virginia. “This settlement ensures that the legacy entrusted to the Episcopal Church continues, while providing a clear way forward for the Oatlands congregation.”

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2011/2/24/parishes-dioceses-reach-amicable-settlements