PEP Argument Briefing Paper
Background Celebrate 250 was the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh’s response to Pittsburgh’s 250th anniversary celebration. The committee included people who eventually left The Episcopal Church as well as people who stayed. Several events were held before the 2008 convention, but Bishop Duncan presided at the concluding events after the October 2008 convention, and those events were sponsored by the realigned entity. Argument · The diocese should recognize the hard work of those of its members who contributed to the success of the Celebrate 250 events. It would thus seem ungracious to reject this resolution. · Enthusiasm is necessarily restrained for a resolution celebrating events presided over by a deposed bishop and offered under the sponsorship of a group that left The Episcopal Church and spent money on the concluding events from endowment rightfully belonging to this diocese without its permission. · The resolution also offers thanks to the recently retired archivist who continued as an employee of the group that left The Episcopal Church. However, she did serve for many years as the archivist for the whole diocese and was helpful to any and all who requested assistance. · One technical point: “Episcopal Church of the United States” is not an official name of our church. Supporting Information Resolution (from Preconvention Journal 2009, page C-2, http://www.episcopalpgh.org/wp-content/uploads/file/Documents/2009%20DioConv/2009DioConventionPacketV3.pdf):
3. Title: Thanksgiving for Celebrate 250
Resolved: That the 144th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh of the Episcopal Church of the United States expresses its appreciation to the many individuals who contributed to the success of the Celebrate 250 initiative, most especially to Nancy Chalfant-Walker, Sky Foerster, Elizabeth Hobbs, Alan Komm, Tom Moore, Jeff Murph and Fred Thieman, and also extends heartfelt thanks to Lynne Wohleber, as she concludes twenty years of dedicated service as diocesan archivist, and most especially for her assistance to parishes throughout the Diocese in the art of historical preservation.
Explanation: Celebrate 250 sought to highlight the many and diverse legacies of a notable family of clergy and laypeople throughout western Pennsylvania. Thanks to the contributions of many members of the Diocese of all theological persuasions, an honest attempt was made to celebrate our past at a time of uncertain future. All those who gave of their time, talents and treasure to recognize the achievements of 250 years of Christian witness are to be commended for their enthusiasm and energy.
Sponsors:
Dr. Jeremy Bonner, Trinity Cathedral The Rev. Dr. Bruce Robison, D.Min, St. Andrew’s, Highland Park Celinda Scott, Christ Church, Indiana |