The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Pittsburg Bishop Bob Duncan recently spoke to about 75 persons at a meeting of the Southeastern Wisconsin chapter of the American Anglican Council. The meeting took place “in a Catholic church hall near Nashotah House Episcopal seminary.” The Journal Sentinel quotes Duncan:
“What I can tell you about a meeting of the lead [like-minded] bishops was that there was unanimity among us, that all of the efforts that are swelling up from the ground around the country are to be encouraged, and that we actually anticipate that we will be in a situation within 24 to 36 months in which . . . a separate ecclesiastical structure in North America within the Anglican Communion will exist as a united reality. And that I think is very good news.”
Emphasis added.
The following message was sent to the office of the Presiding Bishop yesterday:
The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh is saddened to learn the Presiding Bishop and her chancellor will continue to press for the deposition of our Diocesan Bishop, Robert W. Duncan, Jr. for the Abandonment of Communion at the September 2008 House of Bishops Meeting. Although we recognize the authority of the Episcopal Church to discipline and remove its ministers for violations of its canons, we believe Canon IV.9, Sec.1 has been misapplied and Canon IV.9, Sec.2 has been misinterpreted in this instance.
Should our Diocesan Bishop be validly deposed pursuant to the requirements set forth in the canons, the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh is prepared to exercise its role as the Ecclesiastical Authority of this diocese.
Unanimously affirmed by the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, May 27, 2008.
Emphasis added. The standing committee appears to be attempting to stake a claim to Ecclesiastical Authority in the event Duncan is deposed, even as it acts in concert with Duncan.
Father Jake has more. Duncan, no doubt, welcomes our attention.