News for Week Ending 10/31/2011

Gays again threatened by Uganda legislation

The death of draconian anti-gay legislation in Uganda—see Pittsburgh Update story here—seems to have been much exaggerated. Bloomberg reported October 25, 2011, that the Ugandan parliament has voted to re-open debate on a bill that would stiffen penalties for homosexual activity. An October 30 Bloomberg story provides additional details.

CoE dioceses continue to express support for women bishops

More Church of England dioceses have voted in support of the plan to allow for female bishops in the church. The Bishops Council of the Diocese in Europe recently voted for the plan to allow women to become bishops, but it also voted to provide stronger provisions in support of those who cannot accept the concept of a female bishop. (See story on the Diocese in Europe Web site.)

Thinking Anglicans reported that the Diocese of Bath and Wells also voted in support of the plan for women bishops on October 29, 2011. The diocese voted against additional provisions for opponents of female bishops, but it did pass a resolution urging that the Code of Practice governing implementation (yet unwritten) be developed quickly.

The most recent Pittsburgh Update story on the voting in the Church of England can be read here.

Eastern Oregon declares Covenant opposition

Comprehensive Unity reported October 28, 2011, that the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon passed a resolution at its diocesan convention recommending “that The Episcopal Church respectfully decline to ratify The Anglican Communion Covenant as proposed.”

Warrendale settlement announced

In a joint statement from the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, the congregation of the New Life Anglican Church has announced a settlement regarding the property of St. Christopher’s Church, Warrendale.The congregation of St. Christopher’s left its church in 2010 to form the New Life Anglican Church, which is a member of the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. Details of the settlement, which returns most of the property to the Episcopal diocese can be read on the diocesan Web site here.