via email, from Marilyn Jacobson
Bishop Bob Duncan was deposed by the Episcopal Church House of Bishops today. David Virtue reports that, by a vote of 87 to 36, the bishops elected to depose the highly regarded orthodox bishop – despite multiple glaring violations of church canons thorough-out the disposition process.
“The repeated and arbitrary violation of TEC’s own canons by the Presiding Bishop and now endorsed by the House of Bishops, is scandalous,” states Bishop Don. “I have the highest regard for Bishop Bob, as do most leaders and Primates in the Anglican Communion. By this lawless act, denying justice to a godly bishop and global orthodox leader, TEC has shown its true colours for the entire Communion to see.”
Immediately following the house of bishops’ vote, the Diocese of Pittsburgh standing committee issued a statement saying:
We are profoundly disappointed by this action, and view it as yet another tragic rejection of the historic faith of our diocese and the majority consensus of the Anglican Communion. We continue to believe that the House of Bishops has clearly misapplied and misinterpreted the canons…
In light of this unfair and improper action to “depose” our bishop, we now assume our responsibility under the canons to be the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. Bishop Duncan will continue to support the work of our diocese under the terms of his administrative employment agreement and within the bounds of his deposition, providing many of the services that he previously performed for the diocese. Our diocesan convention of October 4 will go forward as planned, at which the canonically required re-alignment vote will be taken.
We understand that Bishop Duncan has been received as a member in good standing of the House of Bishops of the Province of the Southern Cone. We rejoice at this news.
The Standing Committee asks that the clergy and people of Pittsburgh pray for the Duncans, the diocesan staff and the elected leadership of the diocese in the days ahead. We stand firmly on the promise of Holy Scripture found in Romans 8:28. “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
A Diocese of Pittsburgh news release quoted Archbishop Greg Venables as saying:
“As was resolved by resolution made at the Provincial Synod in Valparaiso last November 2007, we are happy to welcome Bishop Duncan into the Province of the Southern Cone as a member of our House of Bishops, effective immediately. Neither the Presiding Bishop nor the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church has any further jurisdiction over his ministry. We pray for all Anglicans in Pittsburgh as they consider their own relationship with The Episcopal Church in the coming weeks.”
The news release also said:
The action of the House of Bishops, which was taken in a closed meeting on September 18 in Salt Lake City, Utah, contravenes numerous canons of The Episcopal Church. While Bishop Duncan continues to believe that the “deposition” is unlawful, he will not challenge the “deposition” prior to the end of the diocese’s October 4 convention unless forced to do so by the leadership of The Episcopal Church.
On October 4, diocesan convention deputies will consider the second reading of a constitutional change that would realign the diocese with the Province of the Southern Cone. With the passage of that constitutional change, the diocese will be free to welcome Bishop Duncan back as its bishop. In the meantime, under the diocese’s governing documents, the standing committee will serve as the diocese’s ecclesiastical authority.
PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE LEADERSHIP AND PEOPLE OF THE DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGH.
Marilyn Jacobson
Anglican Network in Canada communications
The situation is no different in the ACoC. This action should be a call to arms to the bishops who claim to be orthodox. St. Paul writes very clearly in Ephesians 6:11-18. We are indeed faced with “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”.
Well now, not unexpected. I’m sure that Primate Fred Hiltz is smiling and wringing his hands in pure delight. Another nail in the coffin of the North American Anglican Provinces called ACoC and TEC.
Good to see that Bsp. Duncan is already under The authority of The Southern Cone. Thank God for Men like ArchBishop Greg Venables and the others who are supportive of and involved in GAFCON.
The surprising thing about the vote was the unprecedented unity of the orthodox bishops opposition to the deposition. (Up to this point, they have shown themselves to be veritable Quislings under the PB’s thumb.)
I am praying that this represents an awakening that will empower the faithful in TEC and high light the irreconcilable differences between the two factions.
Prayers for the Diocese of Pittsburgh -the fat lady hasn’t sung yet!
Peace,
Jim
For Bob Duncan and the Diocese of Pittsburgh: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
There are a couple of points which are, in fact quite different between the Episcopal and the Canadian Churches.
Canon law in the Episcopal Church is a very large and complex volume. While that is good, in a sense, it lends itself to numerous interpretations. This is espeially true in a day when authorial intent is not considered as a valid starting point for interpretation. Canadian canon law is relatively simpler. This is compounded by the fact hat those diocese which existed before the formation of the General Synod are in a bit different legal status than the individual dioceses of the American Church. This is, most likely, a difference between the secular governments Dominion/Confederation v. Representative Republic.
Most sitting bishops would seem pretty safe as well as they stay within the confines of their own dioceses. However, attention must be given with regards to the upcoming electoral synods. Care must be given to assure that thoughtful, theologically reflective, theologically orthodox bishops are elected for if not,they could change the face of the House of Bishops in a radical way.
By the way, + Bob Duncan has known this was coming for a long time. He mentioned it a couple of years ago. He is very aware that before there was a resurrection there had to be a crucifixion. God will bring something greater.
Just a thought or two as I read about this.
Did I mention the deafening silence from Canterbury? The ABC keeps sinking further and further into the abyss.
Peace,
Jim
In all fairness, it’s only been a day. I’m not expecting much, though.
Just a thought, other than on paper, does this really change a whole lot. Bsp Duncan has already been installed at a bishop in the Southern Cone, their Synod is still going forward at which there is every expectation that the diocese will choose to realign, at which point he becomes their bishop again. At most he might have a bit of free time in the next couple weeks.
BTW, you might be interested in knowing, there was a meeting in the diocese of Toronto last week for all the bishops and priests as a debrief of Lambeth. Our Primate was there and he make it clear that there was a moratorium of same sex blessings in Canada.
I suppose that depends upon how you define moratorium. The diocese of New West seems to think that the parishes that were performing same sex blessings before the moratorium was declared have a grandfather clause.
I don’t think that the deposition changes much really. It just shows more clearly how small minded and vindictive the powers that be in The Episcopal Organization, er, the Episcopal Church, have become.
Cathy: “BTW, you might be interested in knowing, there was a meeting in the diocese of Toronto last week for all the bishops and priests as a debrief of Lambeth. Our Primate was there and he make it clear that there was a moratorium of same sex blessings in Canada.”
Hi Cathy…I note that you refer to Fred Hiltz as “our Primate”…which leads me to believe that you are still a member of a parish within the ACoC.
When you say that Primate Hiltz was there and he make it clear that there was a moratorium of same sex blessings in Canada” I must ask……much like the serpent did…Did He really say that? Did he really mean it? Hmmmmmmmmm.
His words on this subject are likely hollow and without substance. Certainly Micheal Ingham is not going to slow down on his assault of the ANiC Parishes in New Westminster Diocese and I would expect that Bishop Bird in Niagara will be continuing on the road that that Diocese is on.
Untruths is what the members of the ACoC are hearing now and they will continue to hear them until they have ears that will hear the truth.
Jim…..The ABC is being quiet now….what else can he do? He knows that talking time is over.
Gerry: I did specify the Diocese of Toronto and he is our Primate, St Chad’s is not a member of the Diocese of Toronto. This issue has not come to a vote in this diocese (word is the bishops are avoiding it like the plauge). My information comes from my pastor who was there. Also, a ban on doing any more same sex blessings is not the same thing as suspending any legal actions against persons or parishes.
Um, not to be picky or anything, but if you are a member of St. Chad’s, +Fred Hiltz isn’t your primate, +Gregg Vennables is.
Interesting … the language here makes it seem that the plain language of the “abandonment” charges does apply. But are not the Southern Cone and TEC still (on paper) in communion, albeit impaired?
Will someone not come out and proclaim the Anglican Communion dead? The shambling corpse is getting embarassing.
[13]
Henry,
There hasn’t been much chatter up here on the depositions. (A quick trip to StandFirm will lay it out better for you -the Anglican Curmudgeon is very good.) The short story is that the canon being used was drafted for “cross denominational” abandonment. TEC is now using it as a “provincial” abandonment.
I have to take issue with your corpse analogy. The world wide Anglican communion is healthy. It’s TEC and the ACoC that are sick unto death.
Peace,
Jim
Following taken from Virtue on Line this date. Interesting side note
UK: Former Southern Cone Primate Calls on ABC to Suspend TEC From Anglican Communion
20th September, 2008.
Rt. Hon. and Most Reverend Rowan D. Williams
Lambeth Palace, London SE1 7JU.
OPEN LETTER
Your Grace,
I write to you as a former primate of the Southern Cone and bishop of Chile, a Diocese which has enjoyed a Companion Relationship with the Diocese of Pittsburgh since 1978. It is a privilege to count Rt. Rev. Robert Duncan as one of my friends as well as a brother bishop, having known him since his consecration fifteen years ago.
You can imagine, therefore, my surprise on hearing that the Presiding Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America had accused Bishop Duncan of abandoning the church and had successfully moved in the House of Bishops that he should be deposed as a minister in the Church of God. I know Bishop Duncan to be an orthodox Christian believer, who has taught the biblical Anglican faith throughout his ministry. I understand on good authority that the process of his deposition has run counter to the canons of that church.
I write, therefore, to ask that you take immediate action in suspending the Episcopal Church from any further participation in activities of the Anglican Communion and in calling a meeting of the Primates to give formal recognition to a new Province in North America, as desired by the Common Cause Partners Federation. At that meeting the Primates must give guidance as to the future conduct of the Episcopal Church so as to enable it to return to the full fellowship of the Anglican Communion .
The action of Archbishop Gregory Venables in receiving Bishop Duncan as a member of the House of Bishops of the province of the Southern Cone should not be seen in any way as interference in another province, but as a fraternal act towards a brother who has, for a long time, been speaking out for biblical truth in a church which, by its teaching and actions, has been gradually separating itself from the rest of the Communion. He deserves our gratitude and full support.
You are in my prayers and those of many others, that you will have God’s wisdom and despatch in dealing with this further tear in the fabric of our Communion, especially in view of your own pleas for holy restraint at the Lambeth Conference.
With every good wish,
Colin F. Bazley
Hon. Assistant Bishop of Chester
General reply:
Blogs are great, But I really do have to question some of their content.
Having reviewed the many blogs of those who have written them over the past number of months, and generally agreed with but sometimes disagreed with some of their comments, I believe it is high time that we as members, not as Anglicans, but as members of Christ Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, refrain from continuing our partisipation in matters that should only be left in the hands of our Supreme Maker and Redeemer, and carry on in the name of one who “makes all things new”.
I have known and worked with, in some capacitiy, several who have and are prolonging matters, what are matters of importance, and whom I have great respect for. It is therefore my opinion, that we should move on, respect what we have, i.e. the Great Church of God and what it represents and the dedicated and great priest and clergy of His church who are sincere and give us each and every day the “true Gospel” message that was handed down to us by the Apostles, who were chosen by Christ Himself and let those who wish to do otherwise, live in their sins, and let our Great God judge their actions.
I believe it is through continuous propoganda, as we keep on, keeping on, that things will only work to our disadvantage and ill will and continue to hinder what Jesus would want us to accomplish.
Those who have chosen to follow Him under other means have my blessing but to the others who are receiving truth from their own clergy in their respective Anglican churches, under the Anglican Communion of Canada, should have the right to their own opinion as well.
We must always remember that not all ordained clergy can be tarred by the same brush.
There is only one Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth and He will not go against His written word. His words will not return onto Him void because He is the word made flesh which dwells amongst us.
Let Him and Him alone be the Judge and Ruler of all.
Herman Russell
What about the people whose priests aren’t preaching the truth, and who hunger to hear the truth? How are they to find bible believing Anglican churches without ANiC getting the word out? That’s how I see this blog.
Herman (#16), it is not entirely clear to me what you are advocating for, so I may be misconstruing your comment, but, reduced to its most basic terms, it seems to be saying that there is no place for discipline in “Christ’s Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church”. Have I misunderstood?
Re: # 16:
“Those who have chosen to follow Him under other means have my blessing but to the others who are receiving truth from their own clergy in their respective Anglican churches, under the Anglican Communion of Canada, should have the right to their own opinion as well.”
Dear Herman:
With all due respect to you and in particular to your parish Priests, all three of whom DO preach the Truth, I suggest that the following equation would at least tend to support ANiC and Why ANiC has been formed.
Your $$$’s go to Your Parish = that’s OK
Parish $$$’s (percentage) go to Diocese = Thats maybe OK if the Diocese is promoting The Word and supporting the Truth about ANiC
Diocese $$$’s (percentage) go Province and to primate’s support and that too is OK IF the Province and the Primate are supporting and preaching God’s Word and are not promoting Apostasy.
By now, you see where this is going and has gone! A minor part of my reasoning for leaving the ACoC was that I did not want ANY of my funding going to help those who promote the work of the evil one; no matter how far up to money chain it has to travel to get to that point.
Herman, your Parish Priest(s) are eventually going to find that they MUST make a decision to leave the ACoC or flounder with it as it sinks into oblivion promoting apostasy. The thinking that supports yours only helps them to prolong the inevitable.
Edited by poster’s request. — Admin
In Christ,
Gerry
That last sentence isn’t particularly charitable, Gerry.
Kate:
You are bsolutely correct, that sentence is not very charitable at all and I would withdraw it from the blog IF I had the ability to do so, but alas, I do not. I will, therefore leave that to you to do so if you feel you must.
A point I must make here now though is this: If A Bishop or a Priest or a Primate came and wanted to lay hands on me AND IF I KNEW that that person was indeed into preaching false doctrine or promoting the works of the evil one, I would not allow them to lay hands on me, n’or would I receive the sacraments from them although the XXXIX articles suggest that I should. This would be my decision and I would not feel out of place making it. I would also not desire to have any other blessing from that person or from other persons who are supportive of that Bishop, Priest or Primate.
In Christ,
Gerry
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Gerry,
I too have trouble with the idea of accepting ministry from an apostate.
The communion issue is interesting as well. We are not supposed to come to the table if we have unresolved differences with a fellow Christian, and yet we are to accept communion from the hands of someone we are mortally at odds with. It doesn’t add up to me.
Peace,
Jim
It doesn’t say that we should, it says that we may:
XXVI. Of the Unworthiness of the Ministers, which hinders not the effect of the Sacrament.
ALTHOUGH in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometimes the evil have chief authority in the Ministration of the Word and Sacraments, yet forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in Christ’s, and do minister by his commission and authority, we may use their Ministry, both in hearing the Word of God, and in receiving of the Sacraments. Neither is the effect of Christ’s ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor the grace of God’s gifts diminished from such as by faith and rightly do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them; which be effectual, because of Christ’s institution and promise, although they be ministered by evil men.
Nevertheless, it appertaineth to the discipline of the Church, that inquiry be made of evil Ministers, and that they be accused by those that have knowledge of their offences; and finally being found guilty, by just judgement be deposed.
I think I agree with the two of you, I would think twice. Actually, things are so polarized for me at this point that I probably wouldn’t attend an Anglican church in Canada that wasn’t ANiC or AEN if I didn’t know the priest personally.
Kate #23: I don’t think we should overlook AMIA Churches in Canada such as in Regina, Sask, Quebec and BC since they are indeed members of the Common Cause Partners AND I do know two retired Bishops and the odd clergy that I would receive the Eucharist from. Other than those I know (like you said), I would be hard pressed anymore to do so.
In Christ,
Gerry
You’re right, Gerry, I forgot about them, as there aren’t any in my particular corner of Canada. On the other hand, though, if I happened to be in a church that wasn’t doing anything obviously un Christian, I wouldn’t hesitate to take communion. (Even though I would have tried to find an ANiC church in the first place). I am probably not making much sense, I am only on my first cup of coffee for the day.
Kate, this is the header that shows up in my RSS reader:
“Comment on Breaking: Bishop Bob Duncan Deposed by Kate”
It reads as though the people commenting are the ones doing the deposing.
Groan
Header
Kate,
…and here I thought you’d gotten a promotion!
I’m Ignoring All Of You.