The following information is designed to explain what will happen now that “realignment” has been approved by the Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh on October 4, 2008.
| 1. | Under the Canons and Constitution of the Diocese and the Episcopal Church, it is not possible for the Diocese or parishes within the Diocese to leave the Church. People may leave the Church; dioceses and parishes may not. Therefore, parishes, clergy and laity that wish to remain in the Episcopal Church will not recognize the legitimacy of “realignment.” |
| 2. | At the close of Convention on October 4, we will no longer recognize those members of the current leadership of the Diocese of Pittsburgh who “realign” as being legitimate. Ecclesiastic authority will shift to those members of the Standing Committee who are known to be remaining in the Episcopal Church. |
| 3. | Soon after October 4, the remaining members of the Standing Committee will determine whether any of the other members of the current Standing Committee are remaining in the Episcopal Church. Those who are not will cease to be recognized as members of the Standing Committee. The remaining members of the Standing Committee will appoint two additional individuals to serve as members of the Standing Committee. |
| 4. | The Standing Committee will determine which members of the Diocesan Council and the Board of Trustees are remaining in the Episcopal Church. The Standing Committee will likely appoint a certain number of new members of Council and Trustees. |
| 5. | The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church is expected to recognize the reorganized Standing Committee as the ecclesiastical authority of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. |
| 6. | The Standing Committee will appoint a Secretary of Convention, Chancellor, Treasurer, and such other officers as may be necessary. |
| 7. | The Standing Committee will call a special Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, most likely to take place before the end of 2008. |
| 8. | The special Convention will elect additional members of the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, Board of Trustees and such other offices that may be vacant due to “realignment.” The Convention will adopt a revised budget for the Diocese, and take such other actions that may be necessary. |
| 9. | The Standing Committee will determine what course of action to take with respect to providing episcopal services and leadership for the Diocese. There are two options: the Standing Committee may, in consultation with the national Church, hire an Interim Bishop to provide sacramental services (such as ordinations and confirmations) and such other functions as they might choose to delegate to the Bishop; or, call for election of a Provisional Bishop who would have ecclesiastical authority and would serve until such time as a search process and election of a Diocesan Bishop could be completed. |
| 10. | The Standing Committee will arrange for Diocesan office space and staff. |
Questions may be addressed to info@episcopalpgh.org.
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