Archbishop Peter Akinola, leader of The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the largest Anglican province in the world, has signed on to this previously released statement in support of Bishop Duncan.A Joint Statement from Archbishops Akinola of Nigeria, Venables of the Southern Cone, Gomez of the West Indies and Nzimbi 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.
Yours in Christ,
The Most Rev Gregory Venables
The Most Rev Peter Akinola
The Most Rev Drexel Gomez
The Most Rev Benjamin Nzimbi P
Pittsburgh Roman Catholic Bishop Comments From the Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Bishop David Zubik of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh said he was "very sorry" to learn of the action against Bishop Duncan.
"My heart aches for the Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh. Any time there is division in the church it hurts not only the Episcopal Church, in this case, but all Christians. I have profound respect for Bishop Duncan. He is a good friend and a courageous leader," he said.
House of Bishops Removal of Bishop Duncan Didn't Conform to Christian Teachings Say Pittsburgh Poll Respondants Local Pittsburghers strongly reject the assertion that the House of Bishops' action against Bishop Duncan "conformed to Christian teachings" The unscientific poll, which was carried on local radio station KQV and in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, shows 73 percent of local residents answering "No" to the question "Do you think the decision of the House of Bishops to remove Bishop Duncan conforms to Christian teachings?" Posted by Peter at 6:17 AM Statement from the Province of Southeast Asia in Support of Pittsburgh We received with great distress the news of the deposition of the Rt Revd Bob Duncan, the Bishop of Pittsburgh, by the House of Bishops (HOB) of The Episcopal Church (TEC).
The Communion has repeatedly asked TEC to make pastoral provisions and avoid steps that will alienate further those within TEC who wish to live by the Anglican faith which they believe to be true and remain in fellowship within the Anglican Communion. Even as recent as at the recent Lambeth, the great majority of Bishops present, including those from TEC, have expressed sincere desire for healing and reconciliation and to observe restraints on contentious issues for the Windsor-Covenant process to proceed.
The HOB has instead proceeded to depose a faithful bishop of the Gospel and the diocese under his care. This raises serious questions yet again, and more strikingly so soon after Lambeth, as to how sincere TEC and some of its bishops are in wanting to bring reconciliation, healing and resolution to the Communion crisis at hand.
The Province of Southeast Asia will continue to support, remain in full communion and prayerfully explore steps to strengthen our shared life with Anglican leaders like Bishop Bob Duncan and the Diocese of Pittsburgh as well as other TEC bishops who respect the mind of the Communion and remain faithful to the teaching of Scripture as expressed in the tradition and life of the Church.
We urge those who have not chosen to 'walk apart' to work actively and sincerely with the Windsor-Covenant Process and other measures agreed at the Communion level. This is probably the only remaining opportunity to bind the Communion together out of this crisis which will strengthen our future common life, witness in the world and our place as an Anglican ecclesial family within the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Most Rev'd Dr John Chew
Province of Southeast Asia
*****
Bishop of Chichester sends greetings to Pittsburgh Dear Bob,
I don't suppose any of us - and least of all you - have been surprised by the way this week turned out. You must be inundated with messages of support and I gladly add this to the list though deeply saddened that it is necessary. The impact of the decision to depose you will obviously be far reaching and take some time to evaluate. It cannot do any good for the standing of ECUSA within the Anglican Communion. One of the saddest things of all is the contrast between this action and the warm words about remaining in fellowship uttered at The Lambeth Conference by some of those who voted for your ousting..
May God bless you, Nara, and the Diocese of Pittsburgh to whom I send my greeting and the promise of my continued prayers,
Yours in the love and service of Jesus Christ,
John
John Hind
Bishop of Chichester
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to either myself or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that I agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Sotto Voce
(Source: VO)