Updated again late Saturday evening
The Pittsburgh newspapers have reports on this:
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Mike Cronin Episcopal diocese to vote today on split
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Ann Rodgers Episcopal Diocese set to vote today whether to secede
Earlier the New York Times had Pittsburgh Episcopalians Weigh Division by Sean Hamill.
One item in that article caused Episcopal Café to respond with Proclaiming Jesus as Son of God never in debate.
Across the Aisle has published this List of Parishes Committed to Remaining in the Episcopal Church and has also published information about what will happen if “realignment” is approved, see NEXT STEPS: if “Realignment” Happens.
lunchtime update
Episcopal News Service has Convention could create four parishes in midst of realignment vote by Mary Frances Schjonberg.
Statements from the leadership of some of the parishes who are not “re-aligning” can be found here.
evening update
Resolutions considered can be found in this PDF file.
Constitutional Changes Approved
The diocese has voted with a clear majority to remove its accession to the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church.
A total of 191 laity voted. 119 voted in favor. 69 voted against, 3 abstained. A total of 160 clergy voted. 121 voted in favor. 33 voted no. 3 abstained. 2 invalid ballots were cast.
ENS has Bulletin: Pittsburgh votes to leave Episcopal Church, align with Southern Cone.
Further press releases from the diocese:
Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Changes Constitution, Joins Anglican Province
Diocese Begins Process to Recall Bishop Duncan
Two press releases from those opposed to the “realignment”:
Across the Aisle To the Members of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh
Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh Episcopal Group Vows to Help Return Pittsburgh Diocese to Health
And a full report from ENS is now published, Pittsburgh votes to leave Episcopal Church, align with Southern Cone by Mary Frances Schjonberg.
“FURTHER RESOLVED, that negotiation between any parish seeking to break its union with Convention over the matter of Provincial alignment shall be undertaken . . . consistent with the Constitutions and Canons of the Diocese, consistent with all legal obligations, and consistent with the settlement of debts and other diocesan interests related to the parish property or assets.” The above wording from the Pittsburgh resolutions accepts the concept of obligations constitutional, canonical and legal. Pittsburgh has disputed the validity of TEC’s relationship and claim over Dioceses. So, when it comes to negotiation with non-consenting parishes, will they not now be… Read more »
That ‘clear majority’ quoted in the Pittsburgh Diocesan release wouldn’t have been sufficient in the General Synod of the Church of England, voting by Houses, for agreement on a controversial issue.
No one can object to the process here – clear majorities over a long period of debate. I am glad the Bishop looks likely to resume his Episcope, but think he and they are utterly mad to be involved with Gregory Venables and the Southern Cone rump in any way. They should maybe think about setting up a structure which will more likely appeal to those who will not be able to live with the dregs of a ‘Code of Practice’ the CofE promised when it threw out more robust provision for ‘loyal opposition’ re women Bishops (in the words… Read more »
“No one can object to the process here – clear majorities over a long period of debate.” Funny how this kind of logic was inadmissable (to so many hierarchs of the AC) regarding the election, confirmation and consecration of the Bishop of New Hampshire. *** Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. God bless and defend the faithful Episcopalians of Pittsburgh. May they soon receive a loyal and compassionate shepherd. Spread forth your grace in southwestern Pennsylvania, O Lord, that your children may discover the Good News in Pittsburgh Episcopal parishes—ALL of them—in your good time. Convert all… Read more »
“After a short meeting, the Standing Committee officially announced the diocese’s plans to elect a bishop on November 7. The election will take place during a special convention of the diocese. It is expected that Bishop Duncan will be the only candidate on the ballot.” In the light of the above announcement by the defectors from the TEC Diocese of Pittsburgh, one wonders what will be the effect on the mission of the Church Catholic in that place – now that the schismatics have declared their hand. For former (now deposed) Bp. Duncan to go along with this charade is… Read more »
“Edith Humphrey, a member of Church of the Ascension in Oakland, Pennsylvania, and a seminary instructor [JCF: I’m going to go out on a limb, and guess nearby Trinity? a “school for schism”, if ever there were one], criticized what she claimed were theological innovations in the Episcopal Church. “Will you rest in a dying body that preaches inclusion without transformation?” she asked” Is it possible for Ms. Humphrey (and the rest of the Duncanites) to not SLANDER the Episcopal Church, while they’re busy dismembering the Body of Christ? *Of course* TEC “preaches transformation”, for each and every member. We… Read more »
The majority chose Barrabas!
The loyal TEC adherents should not negotiate with the rebels, as that will make it look like they recognise this usurption.
815 should sue the Southern Cone directly.
‘That ‘clear majority’ quoted in the Pittsburgh Diocesan release wouldn’t have been sufficient in the General Synod of the Church of England, voting by Houses, for agreement on a controversial issue.’
And would the consents for Gene Robinson have been sufficient in General Synod terms for his consecration penwatch?!
“*Of course* TEC “preaches transformation”, for each and every member. We simply don’t call for people to change their God-given race, gender or sexual orientation—but simply to live as a Christian, with Christian relationships—regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation.”
Actually, she said “transformation”, but she meant “conformity”. It’s really a common error among conservatives. I’m not sure if it’s a frequently repeated slip of the tongue, actually, or if it’s just another one of those words they don’t know the meaning of, like “orthodox” or “love”.
If the voter Abstained it was the same as a no vote. That was made quite clear by Wis Hays husband of Canon Mary Haggard Hays. For me this vote will put an end to the muddle that was Pittsburgh. My hope is that the Reorganized diocese will be more accepting of all. I’m hopeful that the remaining parishes will become closer and support one another. For my parish that was very lacking. We are no the sole Episcopal Parish in the southern three county area. It will be nice to sit down with people who are more interested in… Read more »
neil – “would the consents for Gene Robinson have been sufficient in General Synod terms for his consecration?” English Bishops have no need to sully their episcopal hands with ‘consents’ – they are appointed by HM the Queen, on the advice of her Ministers. No voting, no consents, no problem (unless you’re called Jeffrey John). In Wales, we have a much better system of an Electoral College representing the whole Province to elect a Bishop – one is taking place at this moment (for the Diocese of Bangor). A certain J John is rumoured to be amongst the candidates, but… Read more »