News for Week Ending 12/9/2013

More commentary on Pilling Report

As expected, more commentary has appeared concerning the Pilling Report. (See Pittsburgh Update story here.) Thinking Anglican has collected additional links here, here, here, and (especially) here. Archbishop Robert Duncan has also weighed in here.

Women priests welcomed in CoE bishops meeting

The Church of England announced December 9, 2013, that eight women clergy have been welcomed as observers to the meeting of the House of Bishops. This is an interim measure pending the inclusion of six women bishops in the House of Bishops. (See Pittsburgh Update story here.)

TREC meets, will issue statement

The Task Force for Re-imagining the Episcopal Church met in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, December 6 and 7, 2013. (See Pittsburgh Update story here.) According to Episcopal News Service, the task force will issue a statement about its meeting this week. The task force offers an “engagement kit” on its Web site to help groups contribute to its work.

Michael Curry to offer on-line course for crazy Christians

One of the highlights of the 2012 General Convention was the sermon by Bishop of North Carolina Michael Curry titled “We Need Some Crazy Christians.” Curry will teach an on-line course January 27–February 3, 2013, based on the ideas first presented in that sermon. The course is free and open to all. Details can be found here.

Legal updates from Texas

The Breakaway group from Good Shepherd Parish in the Diocese of Northwest Texas has filed a response with the Texas Supreme Court to the Episcopal diocese’s request for a rehearing. (See Pittsburgh Update story here.) Also, the breakaway “Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth” filed a brief with the Texas Supreme Court in answer to the Episcopal parties request for a rehearing. (See story here.)