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Pittsburgh Update

Pittsburgh Update publishes weekly summaries of recent developments in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, The Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Communion that affect or could affect Pittsburgh Episcopalians. Emphasis is on reporting, not interpretation. This is a service of Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh. This site is in no way affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh or the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh.


A Pittsburgh Episcopal Voice          

A Service of Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh         

Monday, June 29, 2015

News for Week Ending 6/29/2015

Welby defends Idowu-Fearon

In response to a letter from the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) declaring that Bishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon, who has been appointed Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, represents only himself—see Pittsburgh Update story here—Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has explained how Idowu-Fearon was selected. Welby indicated that the appointment is indeed an individual appointment and that Idowu-Fearon “is fully in line with Resolution 1.10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference,” which has nothing to say about the criminalization of homosexual behavior. Anglican Communion News Service reported this story.

SCOTUS makes same-sex marriage throughout nation

It is unlikely that any readers are unaware that the United States Supreme Court issued an opinion June 26, 2015, that makes same-sex marriage legal throughout the U.S. The news was widely covered. The NPR coverage is here. Episcopal Café has published commentary on this development, including a statement from the Presiding Bishop. President of the House of Deputies Gay Jennings commented on the Supreme Court opinion here. The bishops of the Anglican Church in North America issued a press release decrying the decision.

Michael Curry elected Presiding Bishop

Bishop of North Carolina Michael Curry was elected the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church June 27, 2015, by Episcopal Church bishops. He was elected on the first ballot from a field of four bishops. Curry is the first black Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. Episcopal News Service published several stories about the Curry election here, here, here, and here. The election was widely covered in the secular press. The AP story, for example, is here.

1500+ march against gun violence in Salt Lake City

Led by around 60 Episcopal Bishops, a parade of about 1500 people marched two miles in Salt Lake City to protest gun violence in the U.S. The demonstration was organized by Bishops United Against Gun Violence and included many deputies attending the 78th General Convention in Salt Lake City. Episcopal News Service offered extensive coverage of the event. Excellent local coverage was provided by Deseret News. Episcopal Café summarized news reports and includes video in its story. Pictures from the march can be seen on the Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh Facebook page.

Bishops pass marriage resolutions

House of Deputies News reported that the House of Bishops, on June 29, 2015, passed two critical marriage resolutions. Resolution A054: Adopt Resources and Rites from “Liturgical Resources I: I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing, Revised and Expanded 2015” amended from the proposed resolution from the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music offers a gender-neutral service modified from the current prayer book liturgy, as well as an updated version of the service approved for provisional use for blessing same-sex unions at the 2012 convention. Resolution A036: Amend Canon I.18 Marriage changes the marriage canon in various ways to correct problems with the existing canon and to allow for an expanded view of marriage.

Church in South Carolina files brief

The Episcopal Church and the Episcopal Church in South Carolina filed a brief with the South Carolina Supreme Court June 25, 2015. The brief is a response to the recent filing from the breakaway group led by Mark Lawrence (see Pittsburgh Update story here). The Episcopal parties are appealing the trial-court verdict that found the Lawrence group the proper owners of former real and intellectual property of the undivided Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. The Episcopal Church in South Carolina press release includes links to the respective briefs.

St. James, Newport Beach, loses in court

St. James the Great Episcopal Church of Newport Beach, California, has lost its battle to keep the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles from selling its property to a developer. (See Pittsburgh Update story here.) Judge David McEachen determined that the congregation of the church did not have standing to challenge the sale. Details can be read in the story from Episcopal Café.

Bishop of Central Florida resigns from TSM board

Bishop of Central Florida Gregory O. Brewer met with Dean of Trinity School for Ministry June 16, 2015, in Orlando. The TSM board was apparently upset with Brewer’s view that the son of a gay couple should be baptized at the Orlando cathedral. (See Pittsburgh Update story here.) Brewer was asked to take a leave of absence while the TSM board considered the situation. Instead, Brewer resigned from the TSM board. Anglican Ink covered this story. Brewer’s June 16 letter of resignation is here.