National Church "Response" Falls Short

From the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh

The Episcopal News Service today released a proposal responding to the
request by seven Episcopal dioceses for Alternative Primatial Oversight
(APO). It suggests that a "primatial vicar" be appointed by Presiding Bishop
Katharine Jefferts Schori to serve as her "designated pastor in such
dioceses." The "primatial vicar" would be accountable to Presiding Bishop
Jefferts Schori and perform those functions she chooses to delegate, such as
episcopal ordinations.

"We are heartened that the national leadership of The Episcopal Church has
realized the time has come for structural change. We will study this
proposal," said Bishop Robert Duncan, bishop of Pittsburgh and moderator of
the Anglican Communion Network. "However, at first glance what is proposed
is neither primatial, nor oversight, nor is it an alternative to the
spiritual authority of one who, by both teaching and action, has expressly
rejected the Windsor Report and its recommendations. This is obviously not
what was asked for." Bishop Duncan also observed that what is proposed is in
fact less than what was offered and rejected at the first meeting held in
New York during September.

Bishop Duncan reiterated his commitment to find a mediated solution to the
crisis in The Episcopal Church. "We really do want to talk about all the
issues. We want to protect everyone who is unable to travel down the path
the majority of The Episcopal Church has clearly chosen, not just those in
dioceses that have requested APO. We want to have this conversation and find
a way forward that allows all of us to get on with our mission. We are
committed to remaining in the mainstream of the Anglican Communion as we
proclaim the faith once delivered to the saints," he said.

AAC responds -

"The proposal does not take into account the heart of the issue and problem
which is that Katharine Jefferts Schori has adopted a form of faith,
theology and Christology that is so seriously out of step with historic
Anglicanism and Christianity that it calls into question her capacity to
give appropriate leadership on this matter. It keeps all the power in her
hands. The proposal is to be in consultation with not the consent of the
Archbishop of Canterbury. Thus she makes all the decisions. It is a
non-starter."

Canon David Anderson, President of the American Anglican Council