Next Steps: Moving Forward with Grace

Next Steps: Moving Forward with Grace
Trinity Cathedral
Thursday, October 16, 2008
7:00 – 9:00 PM

An update will be offered Thursday on how the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh is re-organizing in the wake of a vote by others to leave The Episcopal Church.

Thursday evening’s gathering at Trinity Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh will address the “next steps” parishes need to take legally and financially to assert their participation in a diocese of the U.S.-based Episcopal Church. Discussion will also center on plans to offer clergy and pastoral care to congregations that want to remain in The Episcopal Church but whose parish priests have left the church. 

Clergy from around the nation have been offering their services to the Pittsburgh Diocese. Last week, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church recognized the Standing Committee headed by the Rev. James Simons as the rightful ecclesiastical authority of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. Bishops from other dioceses have been writing in support of the Standing Committee as well. 

Simons will lead the presentations Thursday night. The Rev. Lou Hays of St. Paul’s, Mt. Lebanon, will address the practical guidelines for parishes whether they are staying or are split; the Rev. Scott Quinn, diocesan Director of Pastoral Care, will focus on supplying clergy to parishioners in need of priests; and, Dr. Joan Gundersen, Diocesan Treasurer, will update plans for a December governing Convention. 

“Next Steps: Moving Forward in Grace” takes place Thursday, October 16, 2008, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the worship space of Trinity Cathedral, 328 Sixth Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh.

The event is open to public.

Agenda

1. Welcome and opening prayer  The Rev. Paul Johnston
2. Update and next steps  The Rev. Jim Simons
3. Important FAQs  The Rev. Lou Hays
          Q&A opportunity
4. Issues of Pastoral Care   The Rev. Scott Quinn
          Q&A
5. The Special Diocesan Convention  Dr. Joan Gundersen
          Q&A
6. Compline   The Rev. Paul Johnston


Click here for location and parking information.

[print_link]