Bishop of Pittsburgh at Feud with Rector

Apparently controversy is nothing new in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Here's a New York Times article from 1913. Is it possible that its in our DNA ?



BISHOP OF PITTSBURGH AT FEUD WITH RECTOR
Head of Pittsburgh Diocese Boycotts
Dr. Arundel as a Socialist
Special to The New York Times

PITTSBURGH, Feb.9, 1913 – Bishop Cortlandt Whitehead, head of this Episcopal diocese, is boycotting St. Mark’s congregation, the biggest and most influential on the South Side. The Bishop declines to have any official dealings with the church because of his feud with the Rev. Dr. Alfred W. Arundel, rector of St. Mark’s.

For nearly twenty years Dr. Arundel was rector at Trinity, the richest Episcopal church in Pittsburgh. Two years ago he resigned when his continued incumbency threatened to disrupt the congregation. His radicalism and frank profession of Christian socialism shocked Bishop Whitehead’s conception of what a pastor should discuss in the pulpit. Dr. Arundel devoted more than a year to platform lecturing, principally in New England. He was called to St. Mark’s last July and accepted the call.

Bishop Whitehead cabled from Europe counseling the congregation of St. Mark’s against calling Dr. Arundel. His warning was not heeded. The Trustees of Trinity offered a very large sum for St. Mark’s property, seeking by purchase to keep Dr. Arundel out of the parish. St. Mark’s refused to sell.

Dr. Arundel was asked tonight if the Bishop had refused to sanction confirmation ceremonies at St. Mark’s.

“No, the Bishop has not refused, because his participation in or approval of confirmation is not essential,” said Dr. Arundel. “Perhaps if we should ask it there would be a refusal.”