As one of its final acts, the 2010 Diocesan Council gave approval for the diocese to join the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network (PIIN), which represents over 40 local Christian, Jewish, and Islamic groups in addressing issues of justice and fairness.
PIIN's recent actions focused on immigration, transportation, wages and public safety. Three parishes – Calvary, Holy Cross, and Redeemer – are already PIIN members. Membership at the diocesan level was requested by the Social Justice and Outreach Committee.
Also at its December 6th meeting, Council
♦ voted to hold the 2011 Diocesan Convention on November 4th & 5th at Christ Church, North Hills. Convention will return to Trinity Cathedral for the election a new bishop in April 2012.
♦ appointed member Bob Johnston of St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon, to a one-year term on the Growth Fund. He will fill the unexpired term of the late Ardele Hopson.
♦ heard from the Commission on Ministry chair, the Rev. Lou Hays, that five individuals are in the early stages of the discernment process for ordination. Two of them will take the General Ordination Exams next month, marking the first time members of the diocese have participated in these exams in many years.
♦ received a status report, also from the Rev. Hays, on the first three months of St. Paul's alternative Sunday evening service, Refuge @ St. Paul's, which the parish launched with financial help from the diocese.
Council reconvenes with returning and newly-elected members on January 3, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church.