Pittsburgh, Pa., Nov 6, 2007 / 10:03 am
Following a widening theological rift with the national Episcopal Church, Episcopalian clergy and laity in Pittsburgh have voted 227 to 82 to "realign" their diocese with a more traditional province in the Anglican Communion.
In 2003, the Episcopal Church ordained as bishop of New Hampshire V. Gene Robinson, an openly gay man who had divorced his wife. The event has triggered intense controversy between conservative Episcopalians and more liberal Episcopalians within the church.
Episcopalian Bishop of Pittsburgh Robert W. Duncan defended the decision to split away, saying “What we’re trying to do is state clearly in the United States for the authority of Scripture.” He claimed that more liberal bishops “have hijacked my church, and that’s how most of the people here feel.”
Bishop Duncan is also moderator of the Anglican Communion Network, an alliance of conservative dioceses and parishes.