Departure of Pittsburgh diocese widens Episcopal Church’s schism

by Warren Cole Smith — EP
posted October 30, 2008

MONROEVILLE, Penn. — The theologically conservative Pittsburgh diocese voted overwhelmingly o Oct. 4 to split from the American Episcopal Church. The 210 clergy and 70 parishes of the Pittsburgh diocese make up by far the largest single group so far to break away from the liberal Episcopal Church.

The Rev. Peter Frank, a spokesman for the diocese, said a “small number” of parishes will likely stay in the Episcopal Church, and that the national Episcopal Church will likely claim that they are the true diocese. The denominational divorce is more than academic since in the Episcopal Church it is generally the diocese, not local congregations, who own real estate.

“They will attempt to undo this decision,” Frank said. “But we think our legal position is strong. Besides, we didn’t make this decision based on legal risks. This was a decision of conscience.” the rest