Breakaway church to keep property, cut ties

By Bobby Kerlik
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh agreed to drop legal action against a Moon church that split from the national organization over issues such as abortion and gay clergy.

Part of the agreement allowing St. Philip's church to keep its building and property stipulates it must cut ties with the newly formed Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh for at least five years.

The St. Philip's congregation voted Tuesday night on the settlement.

"The amendment to the bylaws passed by a voice vote, which means they will be withdrawing from the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh," diocesan spokesman David Trautman said after the meeting.

"Our focus is on the ministry we do with the kids and families in Moon Township. The other denomination stuff takes a back seat," said the Rev. Eric Taylor, senior pastor at St. Philip's. "I make no apology for the terms. We prefer a negotiated settlement as opposed to litigation."

St. Philip's was among several dozen parishes that split in 2008 from the national Episcopal Church of America over issues ranging from abortion to the consecration of a noncelibate gay bishop. The breakaway parishes formed the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh with Robert Duncan as archbishop. the rest

A stark contrast with this.