Pittsburgh Episcopalians Speak

We received this press release today from Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh in response to the news that the Title IV Review Committee found that Bishop Robert Duncan has abandoned the communion of the Episcopal Church and that Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori has invited him to provide evidence that he considers himself fully subject to the Episcopal Church. Our coverage of that story is here.

Progressive Episcopalians Of Pittsburgh
6393 Penn Avenue, PMB 207
Pittsburgh, PA 15206-4010

Contact:
Joan R. Gundersen, President
Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh
Telephone: +1 (412) 799-0440
E-mail: jrgunder@hotmail.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Progressive Episcopalians See Review Committee Action
As Providing Reconciliation Opportunity

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — January 16, 2008 — Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh (PEP) sees reason for hope in the statement issued yesterday by The Episcopal Church’s Title IV Review Committee certifying that, in its view, Bishop of Pittsburgh Robert Duncan has abandoned the communion of The Episcopal Church. PEP believes that the canonical procedures set in motion by this decision will clarify issues of polity that have become confused in this diocese.

Under Canon IV.9, the House of Bishops will, at its fall meeting or at a special meeting called earlier, give or withhold its consent for Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori to depose Bishop Duncan.

“The action of the Review Committee gives all of us in Pittsburgh serious cause to reflect,” said Dr. Joan Gundersen, President of Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh. “This can be an opportunity for all of us to consider how we can change course and restore relations with one another and with The Episcopal Church.”

The Rev. Diane Shepard, First Vice President of PEP, commented, “We understand that Bishop Duncan must follow his conscience regarding the kind of church he believes is faithful to the Gospel. Whether he can resume his role in The Episcopal Church or must relinquish it, we pray that he finds a way to serve Christ’s Church in peace and good conscience.”

PEP is committed to a diocese that finds its strength in diverse understandings of Christian faith and, as our Baptismal Covenant requires, respects the dignity of every human being, ideas that exemplify The Episcopal Church at its best. “Especially now, in this time of crisis, PEP encourages all Episcopalians in the diocese to engage in dialogue about how we can move forward together. Some people may choose to leave The Episcopal Church. We hope their number will be few,” declared president Gundersen.


Contact:
Joan R. Gundersen, President
Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh
Telephone: +1 (412) 799-0440
E-mail: jrgunder@hotmail.com


On the Web:
This document:
http://progressiveepiscopalians.org/html/2008-01-16opportunity.html

Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh:
http://progressiveepiscopalians.org/

The Episcopal Church:
http://episcopalchurch.org/

Diocese of Pittsburgh:
http://www.pgh.anglican.org/

Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh is an organization of clergy and laypeople committed to the unity and diversity of The Episcopal Church, and of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. It is a member of the Via Media USA alliance.