Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Trinity Cathedral picks affiliation


From Pittsburgh-

Ending three years of sitting on the fence during a breakup over doctrine, leaders of a historic Downtown church decided to break away from the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh and affiliate exclusively with the Episcopal Church.

Trinity Cathedral's governing board last week voted 11-7 to withdraw from the more theologically conservative sect, overturning an October 2008 resolution to serve both the Episcopal Church diocese and the Anglican diocese.

"This decision was not made lightly or hastily," the Rev. Catherine M. Brall, provost at the cathedral, said in a letter to members. "Many, if not most, of the comments made during the lengthy time of discussion had been previously raised."

Anglican officials said they were "saddened" by the vote.

"They have chosen to embrace exclusivity, rather than inclusivity," said Robert Duncan, archbishop of the Anglican Church of North America.

Bishop Kenneth L. Price Jr. of the Episcopal Diocese described Trinity's efforts to serve two dioceses "well-intentioned." In Pittsburgh, the Episcopal Diocese has almost 9,000 people in 29 parishes.

Brall said the decision gives a clearer sense of the church's identity. She said the vote does not compel anyone to leave the cathedral, regardless of their affiliation.

"We will continue to be a house of prayer for all people, and everyone is welcome in our worship and community," she said.

Read more:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_772826.html#ixzz1h4oHjmoh

1 comment:

Leonard said...

What a beautiful and encouraging sign of ¨good-will¨ toward all Episcopalians--the ¨place to stand¨ turns out to be ¨together¨ not ¨apart¨ at The Trinity Cathedral in Pittsburgh...The Episcopal Church welcomes EVERYONE (at all levels of Churchlife). Thank you Trinity for the gift of unity above difference.