News for Week Ending 1/21/2013

Giddings survives no confidence vote

In a special meeting of the House of Laity of the Church of England January 18, 2013, Dr. Philip Giddings, chair of the house, survived a no confidence brought by members upset by his role in defeating the women bishops measure. (See Pittsburgh Update story here.) The no confidence motion failed 47–80, with 13 abstentions. The Church of England issued a press release about the vote, which was the only business conducted at the meeting. Thinking Anglicans posted links to a number of commentaries on the vote, including to a story from Episcopal News Service.

R.I. bishop argues for marriage equality in state

Newly consecrated Bishop of Rhode Island Nick Knisely issued a statement January 19, 2013, urging the Rhode Island legislature to pass a marriage equality bill currently under consideration. Knisely wrote that his support for committed same-sex relationships stems from his observation of people in such relationships. His statement was published by Episcopal News Service.

Bishop promotes Absalom Jones Day

Bishop Dorsey McConnell has written to encourage Pittsburgh Episcopalians to attend this year’s Absalom Jones Day celebration, which will be held February 2, 2013, at Trinity Cathedral. The bishop noted that the diocese does not represent the diversity of Southwestern Pennsylvania. He also suggested that we can be inspired by the example of Absalom Jones, the first black priest in The Episcopal Church. His letter can be read on the diocesan Web site.

Philip Wainwright to speak at February PEP Meeting

The Rev. Dr. Philip Wainwright will speak on “Flavors and Tenets of Episcopal Church Conservatives” at the February 11, 2013, meeting of Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh at Calvary Church. Additional details are available on a flyer here.