Update: Deposed Episcopal Bishop Duncan accepted into South American province.
UPDATE:
Friday, 19 September 2008
The Anglican Province of the Southern Cone has accepted Pittsburgh's deposed Episcopal Bishop Robert Duncan into episcopal ministry. This is a widely anticipated move and represents further evidence that Anglicanism, as a global religious entity, is now amid its greatest historical crisis.
The following statement was released today by Archbishop Gregory Venables, of the Province of the Southern Cone, Archbishop Drexel Gomez, of the Province of the West Indies, and Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi, of the Province of Kenya:
"In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen. We the undersigned are grieved at the violation of catholic order in the declaration of deposition of The Right Rev. Robert Duncan by the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church and consider it to be invalid. Legitimate actions of catholic order must rise from Biblical catholic faith. Actions such as this continue to alienate countless Christian people not only within, but beyond the limits of the Communion. We continue to recognize the fidelity and validity of Bishop Duncan's orders, role, and ministry. Without reservation, we continue in full sacramental communion with him as an Anglican bishop. We thank God that by the vote of the Provincial Synod he has been given membership in the House of Bishops of the Southern Cone. Our fellowship and shared ministry with him is not disrupted."
The next steps may be the Episcopal Church moving to take control of diocesan assets. This could end up in court as early as next week, but not be fully resolved for some years to come.
This afternoon, Episcopal Presiding Bishop K. Jefferts Schori will hold a press conference. Stand by for further updates late today.
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UPDATE:
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, 6:40 p.m
Episcopal House of Bishops deposes of conservative leader, Bishop Duncan
Here's a statement from Bishop Duncan:
"I offer my deepest thanks to the company of saints all around the globe who have sustained me, my wife and all who are dear to me in these days." It is a very sad day for The Episcopal Church. It is also a sad day for me, a faithful son of that church. Nevertheless it is also a hopeful day, hopeful because of the unstoppable Reformation that is overtaking the Christian Church in the West. It is also a hopeful day for me personally as I am unanimously welcomed into the House of Bishops of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, an act applauded by Anglican archbishops, bishops, clergy and people all around the world. The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh will move forward under its new Ecclesiastical Authority, its Standing Committee. That body will carry the diocese through to our realignment vote on October 4. With the success of that vote, it will be possible that we be joined together again as bishop and people. I offer my deepest thanks to the company of saints all around the globe who have sustained me, my wife and all who are dear to me in these days.On October 4, the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh will vote for the second time on plans to leave the Episcopal Church and join another part of the Anglican Communion.Robert Duncan
Click here for details.
From the official church news agency, there is this word:
The House of Bishops is meeting in special session in Salt Lake City, Utah (Diocese of Utah) September 17 ? 19, 2008. Today, the House of Bishops by a vote of 88 yes, 35 no, 4 abstentions consented to the removal from the ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh, by authorizing the Presiding Bishop to "depose" Bishop Duncan. The House of Bishops voted after lengthy deliberations, reflections and discussions in both the morning and afternoon business sessions. This followed an open discussion session on Wednesday evening. Throughout the discussions, the gathering was quiet, prayerful and respectful as the bishops listened to one another. There was a great appreciation for the beliefs and viewpoints of the bishops from all perspectives. Ample time was provided for all bishops to speak. It was clear that the bishops were aware of the weightiness of their decision. The vote to depose was not based on speculation about what might occur at Pittsburgh's upcoming diocesan convention. Rather, it was based on the evidence of Bishop Duncan's record of actions and statements, and was the culmination of a process that began in 2007. The evidence that was presented pursuant to Title IV, Canon 9 of the Canons of The Episcopal Church, which provides that "an open renunciation of the Doctrine, Discipline, or Worship of this Church" constitutes "Abandonment of the Communion of This Church." By the action of a majority of the House of Bishops, it was agreed that Bishop Duncan was actively attempting to remove the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh from the Episcopal Church in violation of the Constitutions and Canons of the Diocese and the Episcopal Church. The majority concluded that Bishop Duncan's actions constituted a renunciation of the Discipline of the Episcopal Church. Evidence of abandonment of communion was presented to a Church body known as the Title IV Review Committee from clergy and laity of the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Presiding Bishop in November 2007. On December 17, 2007 the Title IV Review Committee presented its report to the Presiding Bishop. As a member of the House of Bishops, Bishop Duncan was expected to attend this HOB meeting and had the opportunity to address the assertion that he had abandoned the communion. However, he chose not to do so. This daily account was prepared by bishops who cast their votes on different sides. Their personal comments are noted here. Those available for media interviews are noted. Bishop Dorsey Henderson of Upper South Carolina is available for phone interviews. "This is one of the most somber, sober experiences I've had in the House of Bishops. It is a time for all of us to be praying for each other - especially for Bishop Duncan and the Episcopalians of the Diocese of Pittsburgh." Bishop Peter Lee of Virginia is available for phone interviews. Bishop Gary Lillibridge of West Texas "As difficult as this decision is for me and many others in our Church, it is important to realize that the decision in the House today was not based on the theological convictions of Bishop Duncan, but rather on the evidence presented regarding statements and actions concerning moves to take the Diocese of Pittsburgh out of the Episcopal Church.". Bishop James Mathes of San Diego "Today's decision was difficult and emotional but a necessary action to care for the order of the Church, the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, and the collegiality of the House of Bishops." Bishop Porter Taylor of Western North Carolina "Our decisions today were very difficult and came out of our deep love for our Church, a commitment to honor our ordination vows, and a desire to strengthen the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh."
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Certainly, one of the biggest concerns is whether TEC, the Episcopal Church, is knowingly violating its own canons (church laws) in purging Bishop Duncan under the allegation of "abandonment of communion."
To conservatives, this kind of charge is yet another tragic twist of fate for Bible-believing, Bible-following Christians in the Episcopal/Anglican church. When you start tossing the orthodox over the side because they are orthodox, the rules have changed.
Here's what one commenter said:
On Friday [Sept. 12] the Presiding Bishop notified the House of Bishops that she would seek the deposition of Bishop Duncan next week. This announcement was contrary to other public statements by her office and the published agenda of the upcoming meeting. Any bishops wishing to speak against this unprecedented use of summary procedures against a sitting bishop of the church were given five days notice. She also served notice that she intends to run roughshod over the canons in seeking to depose Bishop Duncan and that only a two-thirds vote of those present and voting will deter her. It will take two-thirds of the bishops present to overrule her gross misreading of the canons, but only a simple majority to remove without presentment or trial a diocesan bishop who even today is fulfilling his responsibilities as the bishop of Pittsburgh.
Click here for the entire article in PDF.
There's going to be a press conference later today about Bishop Duncan. Stand by for updates.
Posted by Tim Morgan on September 18, 2008 12:07PM
Comments
Bishop Duncan was not forced out of office any more than Jesus was forced out of his messiahship by the Sanhedran. Duncan was attacked by an apostate take-over of the Episcopal Church's headquarters.
Heaven must be laughing over this new sanhedran's attempt to stifle the Gospel.
Posted by: Fr. Phil Swickard at September 19, 2008
DEAR BROTHER IN THE LORD BROTHER ROBERT DUNCAN,
I PRAISE THE LORD FOR CLERGYMEN LIKE YOU, WHO ARE REMAINING FAITHFUL IN THE WORD OF GOD AND STAY AGAINST MODERN APOSTACY FROM THE BIBLICAL TEACHING. THE CHURCH NEEDS COURAGEOUS PEOPLE WHO ARE FIGHTING.
MAY THE LORD RAISE SOME MORE MEN OF GOD WHO WILL STAND FOR THE TRUTH.
YOURS IN HIM
GEORGE KANTARTZIS, JOURNALIST, GREECE
Posted by: GEORGE KANTARTZIS at September 20, 2008
The charges against Bishop Duncan are patently and outrageously false. First, Bishop Duncan was putting up a valiant fight to UPHOLD the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church. Second, Bishop Duncan's and the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh's proposed move to be under the jurisdiction of the Province of the Southern Cone, a recognized Anglican province with which the Episcopal Church is in full communion as a member of the Anglican Communion, would mean that both Bishop Duncan and the Diocese of Pittsburgh will remain in communion with the Episcopal Church.
It will not be the first time that someone was crucified because of false charges!
Posted by: Hampton Scott Tonk at September 20, 2008
> The next steps may be the Episcopal Church moving to take
> control of diocesan assets.
> On October 4, the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh will vote
> for the second time on plans to leave the Episcopal Church
> and join another part of the Anglican Communion.
I don't know anything about Anglican processes, but the above quotes indicate that there is a rift, not only between the church and the bishop, but also between the congregation and denomination . . . Why?
Posted by: Chris (Jesdisciple) at September 21, 2008
First, I would like to comment as a moderate Episcopalian. +Robert was not deposed because of his theological positions. If the House of Bishops were doing this, Bishop John Spong would have been deposed a long time ago. +Robert was deposed because he was found to be in violation of the Constitutions and Canons of the Episcopal Church USA. Open, deliberate abandonment of communion (i.e. through attempting to guide the Diocese of Pittsburgh out of the Episcopal Church) is punishable under Canon Law.
Bishop Duncan had made a promise to the Presiding Bishop and to the Episcopal Church at large that he would maintain the doctrine and discipline of the Episcopal Church. He failed to do so through his seccessionist actions. This is what got him removed from his Bishopric. So let's not politicize this more than we have to. People often forget that the Episcopal Church is ruled by Canon Law and has a very strict governance structure. It is ruled episcopally and not congregationally.
So please keep this in mind before you talk vitriolically about the House of Bishops and its intolerance of theological dissent.
Posted by: Ian at September 23, 2008
I would like to comment, as a member of the clergy of the Episcopal Church, and a moderate who has found herself now considered quite conservative as the leadership drifted to the far, far left.
Bishop Duncan was removed because he dared to publicly stand for biblical truth and orthodoxy. The leadership of the Episcopal House of Bishops failed to follow their own canons in the kangaroo-court antics of last week. One: he was never inhibited from ministry (a requirement of the canon law); Two: canon law makes it clear that deposition also requires a majority vote of all bishops ELIGIBLE TO VOTE. This meeting of the House was held between General Conventions, and something like 60% bothered to attend.
The Presiding Bishop has chosen to (again) go against the 'very strict governance structure' that Ian so glibly mentions. In doing so, she and her advisors have chosen to 'politicize' this attempt to remove +Duncan from the episcopate.
The true reason this move was made had absolutely NOTHING to do with theology, and everything to do with GREED! It's a chess move by the national headquarters prior to the nasty litigation they are about to unleash on the folks in Pittsburgh who prayerfully wish to: a) seek leadership with another branch of the world-wide Anglican Communion, one that has NOT departed from the faith as has the Episcopal Church and b) they should be able to take the property they bought and paid for with them when they do so.
Here's the scenario: If Bishop Duncan is 'removed' BEFORE the diocesan convention (representatives of all congregations and all clergy) votes to leave, the Episcopal Church believes it will make points with a judge in the many nasty fights ahead. That's why they had to hurryhurryhurry it through, despite the fact they were breaking their own bylaws!
The Episcopal Church is NOT 'ruled by Canon Law' -- it is 'ruled' by a group of people with purple shirts who have repeatedly demonstrated their refusal to hold each other accountable to the Bible, to Christ or to His flock.....EXCEPT when they might lose control of cash and/or property! Then, suddenly, Canon Law looms large and MUST be 'obeyed'!
Are you kidding me? Head heretic Jack Spong is still a bishop 'in good standing', while saintly Bob Duncan is brought before a kangaroo court to be 'deposed'?!? No wonder attendance and membership continue to plunge! Some witness!! Some 'church'!!
Posted by: Sharon at September 24, 2008
I was brought up in the Methodist Church; but it never actually engages in Bible Reading; It reads from little Phamphlets about the Bible; such as John Dewey might reccommend highly; so I started goinng back to my ancestoral Anglican (Episcopal Church) where the adults read the Bible every sunday. The Anglican/Episcopal Church followed Oxford Scholasticism to some large degree, though less and less; which has been its problem. NO.BAIL.OUT.NO.THEFT.SOCIAL.SECURITY.MEDICAID.MEDICARE.
Let Wall Streeters do the Honorable Thing, admit their Sins, try to see selves as God does, ask for forgiveness from God, Mankind. Proposed Bail Out is a theft of Moneys for Social Security, Universal Medicaid/Medicare. Do not vote for candidates supporting the Bail Out. I hope the Bail Outers are punished by God, like the Ten Tribes, for stealing Social Security Funds, then called Tithes. Read "Amos," the second most important book in the Ancient Hebrew Bible. Who saved the Ancient Hebrew Bible after the Fall of Israel? In 320BC, "Hook Nosed" Aristotle, influenced his friends and students, Greek Pharaohs Ptolomey's I and II, to begin translating the Ancient Hebrew Bible into the Common Greek. Called the Septuagint, started for Aristotle about 320 BC, completed in 265 BC; at about the last moment when some few scholars could still read Ancient Hebrew, which became a dead language when Assyria conquered The Northern Kingdom of The Ten Tribes, in 726 BC. “Hook Nosed” Aristotle's Septuagint is the source of all other Bibles, Targum's, 150 BC Dead Sea Scrolls Bible. Aristotle read, assented to Deuteronomy 6: 4-5, thus saved by Jewish, Christian standards. No Aristotle; No Rabbis, and No Jesus.
Posted by: Xeno77777 at September 29, 2008
If the House of Bishops cannot find within themselves the courage to depose Bishops who openly espouse heretical views -- Rev. John Spong, and decades ago, Rev. James Pike -- then their deposition of Bishop Duncan can only be for the most venal of reasons, money and property.
Bishop Duncan, I shall keep you and your congregations in my prayers.
In the Name of our Most Holy Lord, Jesus Christ,
-- Christopher Curzon
Posted by: Chris Curzon at October 7, 2008
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