Can the Diocese Revise the Accession Clause? (diocesan resources)

August 20, 2007

One of the actions contemplated as a way forward for the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh involves the revision of the Article I, section 1, of diocesan Constitution to remove the clause that states that the diocese “accedes to, recognizes and adopts the Constitution and Canons” of the national Episcopal Church. 

The diocese last changed this clause of its Constitution in 2004.  At the time, there was some discussion about whether or not the diocese could even consider such a change.  Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh argued that such a step would exceed the diocese’s authority. Robert Devlin, diocesan chancellor, produced a paper arguing that the diocese had the right to change this clause of its Constitution.

At this time, no proposed constitutional amendment has been put forward for the Nov. 2-3 diocesan convention.  However, if an amendment is offered, discussions about the legality of such a step are likely.  Taken together, both papers should give a clear picture of the different interpretations of the diocese’s authority to act in this case.

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