Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh

Today the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh approved constitutional changes enabling the Diocese to begin the process to recall Bishop Duncan and to realign with a faithful Anglican jurisdiction. The Diocese website reports:

The 143rd Convention of The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has voted to remove its accession to the Constitution of The Episcopal Church. The diocese has voted with a clear majority to remove its accession to the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church.

A total of 191 laity voted. 119 voted in favor. 69 voted against, 3 abstained. A total of 160 clergy voted. 121 voted in favor. 33 voted no. 3 abstained. 2 invalid ballots were cast.

The website also reports:

The Standing Committee of The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh today took action to begin the process of recalling Bishop Robert Duncan to his position as diocesan bishop. Bishop Duncan was involuntarily removed from the post by The Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops on September 18. While the diocese remained in The Episcopal Church, it submitted to the decision. Now that the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh is part of the Province of The Southern Cone, it is free to invite Bishop Duncan back into leadership.

The move came minutes after the close of the 143rd Diocesan Convention. After a short meeting, the Standing Committee officially announced the diocese’s plans to elect a bishop on November 7. The election will take place during a special convention of the diocese. It is expected that Bishop Duncan will be the only candidate on the ballot.