The Diocese of Pittsburgh today held its special convention to act on six resolutions proposed by Bishop Robert Duncan. Despite organized opposition by Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh (PEP), all resolutions passed easily. After the convention, PEP made the following statement to the press:

Statement by Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh
Following the Special Convention of September 27, 2003
Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh (PEP) fully expected to lose the votes today, although we worked hard with fellow faithful Episcopalians to defeat these divisive resolutions. This is only the first battle in the struggle to maintain the integrity of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh.
The resolutions passed today are fundamentally illegal, being contrary to the constitution and canons of both the Pittsburgh diocese and the Episcopal Church, USA. They are symbolic, intended to bring pressure on the Anglican Primates and to encourage the schismatic conservatives who dominate this diocese and who steadfastly support Bishop Duncan. The main battle will not return to Pittsburgh until we meet again in convention on November 7th.
We would like to point out that Bishop Duncan has taken every opportunity to promote his views and to suppress those of his opponents. This has been apparent today in the restrictive rules of order drawn up for this convention and in the political speech made by the bishop in the guise of a homily. We believe that the bishop could prevail easily in this conservative diocese without resorting to heavy-handed tactics, but he would have to allow it to become apparent that there is substantial sentiment for keeping our church together. People who want to maintain the unity of the Episcopal Church, USA, are divided on issues of homosexuality, as we are on many issues. As Anglicans, we are united in our manner of worship and in our tolerance on issues of doctrine.
PEP will continue to work for the unity of the Episcopal Church. We expect that, when the diocese begins to act on its intentions that were made clear here today, PEP will be joined by the Episcopal Church, USA, and local attorneys to protect church property from being snatched away by those who today voted with the majority.
We have one final observation. At pre-convention hearings, Bishop Duncan emphasized that separation was “inevitable,” leaving people with the distinct impression that he and most of the Episcopal Church were going to part company no matter what the Primates do and no matter what events follow. Today, the bishop talked about needing to “make some adjustments” if events do not unfold as he intends. We believe that Bishop Duncan is beginning to recognize that, in fact, the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh as we know it will still be a part of the Episcopal Church, USA, when the dust settles some months or years from now. Clearly, Bishop Duncan has decided that he would rather continue to be bishop of that diocese, than become a leader of a weak remnant that fails to become the strong church he has been telling us would result from his actions. We are gratified that his dreams are being tempered by reality. We are less happy that Bishop Duncan seems to be rethinking the inevitability of his separation from the leadership of this diocese.
Contact: Lionel Deimel, lionel@deimel.org