The latest developments in Texas include Bishop Iker’s public response to (and disclosure of) a letter from the Presiding Bishop and his attempts to find a way forward for continuing Episcopalians in his diocese.
Via the Diocese of Virginia e-communique of January 16, 2008: The Hon. Randy I. Bellows has set Oct. 6-30, 2008 for the second phase of
Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh (PEP) sees reason for hope in the statement issued yesterday by The Episcopal Church’s Title IV Review Committee certifying that, in its view, Bishop of Pittsburgh Robert Duncan has abandoned the communion of The Episcopal Church. PEP believes that the canonical procedures set in motion by this decision will clarify issues of polity that have become confused in this diocese.
Bishop Schofield appears uncertain whether or not to claim that he is a member of the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church.
The second in command to McDonnell is Deputy Attorney General Bill Mims a former state senator who stepped down to accept the appointment from McDonnell. During his tenure as state senator Mims introduced a bill in 2005 (SB1305) to have sections of the Virginia Code (including 57-9) amended. He eventually pulled the bill in the face of intense opposition. Mims is (or was) a member of Church of the Holy Spirit, Ashburn. That’s not one of the 11 that are in court, but it was one of the early departed congregations.
“We have concluded that the structure and polity of the Province of the Southern Cone would afford our diocese greater self-determination than we currently have under the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. This autonomy would be evident most specifically in the areas of property ownership, liturgy, holy orders, and missionary focus.”
Canon Robert Moore will be among those offering support and encouragement at a January 26 gathering in Fresno planned for continuing Episcopalians. Also present there will be House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson, and representatives of Remain Episcopal. Canon Moore was appointed to serve in an interim pastoral capacity in the region by the Presiding Bishop.
In early December the convention of the Diocese of San Joaquin voted to leave The Episcopal Church and join the Province of the Southern Cone.
Father Jake points us to developments at St. Nicholas in Atwater, Calif., a mission in the Diocese of San Joaquin, that transpired on Christmas morning
Robert L. McCan attended the big church property trial in Virginia and offers his report.