A Special Announcement from your Rector

On Sunday, January 15, the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh will announce I am a nominee to be the eighth bishop of their Diocese.  Unlike an announcement accepting a call to serve another parish, this announcement only lets you know the Nominating Committee of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, after a very long process of preparation and discernment, has chosen me as one of four persons to be nominated for election as their next bishop.  In response to their invitation and after several months of prayer and discernment, I accepted their nomination.  Now we enter into an extended period of waiting.  It is essential you understand this acceptance does not change my commitment to or love of the people and ministry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Day School.  Throughout the process, I made it clear to the Nominating Committee I am very happy at St. Paul's and continue to feel a call to serve as parish priest here.  My acceptance of this nomination represents no change in this sense of calling; rather, it suggests a possible change in my vocational status as an ordained person in the Episcopal Church. 

The call to serve as the bishop of a diocese is a distinctly different vocation than the call to serve as a parish priest.   My decision to accept this nomination is guided by that sense of difference and the circumstances in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.  This Diocese has been severely injured by an extended, internal schismatic movement.  In 2008, the then bishop of Pittsburgh attempted to lead the Diocese out of communion with the Episcopal Church.  Some of the leadership of the Diocese resisted, resulting in the formation of a separate ecclesial organization by the schismatic group.  The membership of the Diocese of Pittsburgh decreased immediately by almost 60% in baptized members and in number of parishes.  Congregations and families divided.  Lawsuits followed (and continue) with judicial decisions rendered to the benefit of the Episcopal Diocese.  The people and ministry of the Diocese have been injured severely, and they long for a bishop to lead them in recovery, reconciliation, revitalization, and renewal.  The clergy of the Diocese want a bishop with whom they can work collegially and be in open and honest relationships.   For reasons known only to God, their discernment process and my discernment process converged on a shared conclusion that this may be where God intends me to continue my vocation of service to God's Church.  

Unlike a call to serve in another parish, this announcement is indeterminate in nature.  An election must take place.  The electing convention gathers on April 21, 2012.  In March, along with the other nominees, Guytie and I will spend a week visiting the Diocese (the infamous "walk-about").  In the meantime, we have much work to do in the present and for the future of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Day School.  I am no less committed now than I was before and expect us all to work hard to continue to advance the mission and ministry of our parish.  We are a strong, vibrant, and fun parish with unlimited potential in our calling to proclaim the Gospel and live our baptismal faith.  I move forward in this endeavor assuming I will remain your rector beyond this election and encourage you to do the same.  

I ask for your prayers and support for Guytie and me as we continue in this unexpected turn in our lives.  It is never easy considering change especially as we have become deeply attached to the people of this parish.  We now enter into a period of extended uncertainty in our lives and vocations.  We will need your prayers, support, and friendships in the months ahead.   I never expected to walk this path; I always felt I was just a simple parish priest.  It seems, however, we are on an unexpected adventure.  I trust God will show us all the way forward. 

 I am  . . .    

                                                               your servant in Christ,     Stan+

Here is a link to a preliminary press release from the Diocese of Pittsburgh:

Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh Announcement

(just click on it to be taken to the press release)