Via email, from Marilyn Jacobson

Bishop Don is asking for special prayer this week – and particularly on Thursday – for Bishop Bob Duncan, bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and leader of the Common Cause Partnership, for his diocese and for the Episcopal Church (TEC) house of bishops.

Background

As anticipated, TEC Presiding Bishop Jeffert Schori has written TEC bishops informing them of her plan to have Bishop Duncan deposed at their meeting on Thursday of this week (Sept 18) in Salt Lake City. She will be charging Bishop Duncan with abandoning the communion of the church.

George Conger reports that the presiding bishop has flaunted the rules of the house of bishops in modifying the agenda with her intended deposition. March 25 and Aug 20 call for a special session to review the Lambeth Conference.”

Bishop Duncan has written a pastoral letter to his diocese saying, “…whatever happens on Thursday as to my status, the Diocese will carry forward under rules long-ago established. If I am “removed,” the Standing Committee will be the Ecclesiastical Authority. Together with all the leadership presently in place, both appointed and elected, the Standing Committee will carry us through to our October 4th Annual Convention and beyond. We as a Diocese will not be intimidated or turned from our over-riding commitment, which is faithfulness to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ within the mainstream of Anglicanism… It is confidence in our faithful God that will carry us all through to a better day, to the other side of the vote on September 18th and the other side of votes on October 4th. I expect that God will still grant me many years of service to the people and the place I have come to love so much.”

Prayer request

Pray for orthodox bishops attending TEC’s House of Bishops meeting to act courageously and with godly wisdom.

Pray that Bishop Duncan and his family will have the peace that comes from complete confidence in God’s sovereignty.

Pray for diocesan leadership.

Pray for those who oppose Bishop Duncan.

Pray for God’s will to be done and for His Name to be glorified.

Lent & Beyond has specific prayers.