The Diocese of Pittsburgh and one of its largest parishes have agreed to have an independent, court-appointed third party review all diocesan financial records prior to a final vote by diocesan convention next month on whether to leave The Episcopal Church.
 
The so-called “special master” will have “no role regarding the operation of the diocese,” according to a statement issued by Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan. “The appointment…has no impact on whether [The Episcopal Church] or its representatives can make any claim to any property. We have clearly stated our position that the minority who oppose realignment are not entitled to seize the assets of the diocese. If necessary we will vigorously pursue this position in litigation.”
 
In October 2005, the diocese settled out of court with the rector, senior warden and vestry of Calvary Church, Pittsburgh, who had taken issue with a resolution approved at the 2003 diocesan convention. The resolution called for a policy of releasing diocesan control of property to any congregation which sought to disaffiliate from the diocese. Bishop Duncan said the special master will “review all diocesan financial records and make recommendations to the court regarding which property is covered by the provisions in the 2005 stipulation.”
 
“It is highly likely that Bishop Duncan and the other leadership of the diocese will purport to separate from The Episcopal Church, and it is our position that the court order of Oct. 14, 2005, addresses what will happen in that regard,” said Walter DeForest, a lawyer representing Calvary, in a statement given to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “It is certainly the position of Calvary that the new leadership of the diocese will be in charge of those assets.”
 
The parish is affiliated with one of two groups opposed to realignment in the diocese. Across the Aisle, a group of clergy and lay persons that claims members representing nearly 30 of the diocese’s 67 congregations, is planning to hold an informational meeting on Sept. 13 at St. Paul’s, Mt. Lebanon.
 
“Unlike [the Diocese of San Joaquin] in California, a significant number of parishes in the Pittsburgh diocese oppose realignment,” said the Rev. Jim Simons, rector of St. Michael’s, Ligonier, and a group representative. “Across the Aisle has been working for more than seven months to ensure that structures are in place to remain part of The Episcopal Church should the realignment vote pass.”
 
Save 40% when you order The Living Church magazine in its new online edition! New subscriptions are just $24.50 for one year. Current TLC subscribers can add the online edition for just $10 through June 2009. Click here for complete details.