Parish Toolbox

Recently you may have heard about the twelve clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh who wrote a letter to all of the parishes in the diocese.  These twelve clergy are some of the most respected and gifted people who serve our diocese, all of whom I personally respect.  Some I would most definitely call my friends and all my esteemed colleagues.  The content of their letter stated that they wished not to go the route of “realignment” that the diocese is heading towards this November at its annual convention.  Realignment means the diocese is seeking to realign its headship away from the Most Rev. Katherine Jefforts Schori, the current Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the US. 

Bishop Duncan and I would still say the majority of the clergy in the diocese of Pittsburgh are seeking to realign our diocese with another province in the Anglican Communion.  The diocese of San Joaquin in central California has already voted twice on this issue at two successive annual conventions and according to The Rt. Rev. John David Scofield, the Bishop of San Joaquin they have been under the leadership of the Arch bishop Gregory Venables, the Archbishop (also called Primate) of the Southern Cone Anglican Province since December 2007.

This is considered to be a temporary measure until the traditional wing of the Episcopal Church that is seeking realignment forms its own judicatory (governmental) structure.  At some point those seeking Anglican realignment in North America will have a structure of central authority that will reside more locally.  It must be said that the last few sentences are the conjecture, not mere fact, of the traditionalists; yet it is a scenario that is quite possible.  None of us knows for sure what will happen but these are the possibilities most often projected by the conservatives in more authoritative positions.

I regret the letter of these twelve clergy because it withdraws the support of some well-regarded clergy in the diocese.  Yet in the paraphrased words of Fr. C. Bradley Wilson, our Rector, this is a mistake in tactics.  We agree with these twelve on the theology and issues of the day.  However, we, the other traditionalist clergy in the diocese choose a different course and seek to realign with a province elsewhere in the Anglican Communion.  The Episcopal Church has chosen a course that has caused great division in the Anglican Communion.  I believe the right course is to go with the other 100 (approximate) locally and canonically resident clergy who will most likely vote for realignment this coming November.  There are also approximately eighty other clergy who could vote at this convention who are not locally resident with the diocese, but are canonically resident, meaning they are under the authority of our diocesan bishop.  They are missionaries, retired clergy and others who serve the outside the region while maintaining their canonical status with the diocese of Pittsburgh.

In order for the resolution to pass in November a simple majority (50%+1) of deputies in both houses (clergy and lay) will have to vote for the resolution to realign with another province of the Anglican Communion and to no longer accede to the constitution and canons of the Episcopal Church in the USA.  This past November 80% of the clergy voted for such a resolution while 67% of the laity did the same.  In order for a resolution that changes our diocesan canons to become permanent it must receive an affirmative vote at two successive annual diocesan conventions.  These 12 clergy who have changed their voting position will most likely not change the course of realignment that we are headed towards as a diocese this November. 

Our Goal here at St. Andrew’s is to remain focused on the ministry we are doing.  We will continue to face this issue as it becomes necessary.  In the mean time there is work and ministry to be done.  There are people that need our love and care.  The Gospel needs to be preached and lived and that is what we will do.  As we move towards Easter let us not forget that this is not too big an issue for Jesus to redeem.  It is within His power to work among us to carry forth His mission in the world.  Let us pray that the Holy Spirit continually guides us to speak His truth in love in the coming weeks and months.  May this be so for the sake of God’s kingdom, which has no end, but lasts forever and ever. Amen.

Written by the Rev. John Bailey, vicar of St. Andrew’s in New Kensington, for the latest edition of The Prophet (St. Andrew’s newsletter).