In Support of Bishop Duncan

Final Post and Thank You

2008-10-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Over the course of the last several weeks, an overwhelming amount of support for the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh and Bishop Robert Duncan has been directed to this site. Thank you for taking the time to share you comments and prayers for Bishop Duncan and all of us here in the diocese. Though this site will no longer be updated, any messages directed to the contact email address above will be forwarded to their intended recipients.

Yours in Christ,

-Shawn

GAFCON Primates Council Speaks in Support of Bishop Duncan

2008-10-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

The fact, timing and manner of the action taken by the American House of Bishops toward Bishop Bob Duncan of Pittsburgh has filled us with dismay. He is a Bishop in good standing in the Anglican Communion, and is guilty only of guarding his people from false teaching and corrupt behaviour as he promised to do. Once more the upholders of the orthodox faith are made to suffer at the hands of those who have introduced new teachings.

However, the action has also had the effect of clarifying matters even further. It is now impossible to believe that the exhortations of the Lambeth Conference and the Windsor Continuation Group will be heeded. No Pastoral Forum has been established. We remain convinced that the faithful Anglicans of North America need to have their own Province recognised by the Communion as a whole. We are determined to stand with Bishop Duncan and those who, like him, have protested in the name of God against the unscriptural innovations which have caused such divisions amongst us.

In the absence of other substantive provision from the historic structures of the Communion, the Primates’ Council gives its full support to Archbishop Greg Venables in receiving Bishop Duncan as a Bishop in good standing in the Province of the Southern Cone.

Editor's Note: Members of the Primates Council are Archbishops Peter Akinola of Nigeria, Justice Akrofi of West Africa, Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda, Valentino Mokiwa of Tanzania, Benjamin Nzmibi of Kenya, Henry Orombi of Uganda and Gregory Venables of The Southern Cone. They lead approximately 35 million of the world's active Anglican Christians.

Support from Bishop A.B. Lamido of Nigeria

2008-09-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

-snip-

I visited Pittsburgh in April, 2008 at the peak of the deposition and the re-alignment discussion. I remember vividly telling Bishop Duncan that the Church of Nigeria is standing by him. This is a man whose perspicacity and perpendicularity are unimpeachable. This is a man whose commitment to evangelism and stand on biblical truths are unquestioning and unswerving. He refused to be waltzed into an elf-like way of interpreting scripture. With this deposition I think God is telling Bishop Duncan in the words of John Wesley that ‘the world is my parish’.

I noted with joy, that the Southern Cone received Bishop Duncan into their fold immediately after he was deposed. We thank all those who stand on the Catholic faith as handed to us by the apostles. We call on all Christians to continue to pray against all the enemies of the catholic faith. The Church is marching on and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Bishop A. B. Lamido
Wusasa - Zaria

Three Words to Pittsburgh from J.I. Packer

2008-09-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

World renown Anglican theologian, the Rev. Dr. J.I. Packer, was asked today what is his recommendation to the Diocese of Pittsburgh as they consider the resolution to separate from The Episcopal Church and join the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. Dr. Packer answered with three short words: "Vote for it."

(As posted on BabyBlue Online 9/27/06, speaking at the ADV Synod, Church of the Epiphany, Herndon, VA)

Comment From Bishop of Birkenhead, England

2008-09-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

I was privileged to meet +Bob at the Lambeth Conference and I can’t understand why those also present have now acted against him in this way. To have split the Communion by ignoring all the pleas not to innovate against the clearly expressed mind of the Communion and then to pretend that it is +Bob who has in some way departed form the faith is an example of profound self deception. To have proceeded in this way seems to myself, who first met TEC Bishops at Lambeth, that for all the fine words, a deeper force is driving this which is immune to the calls for unity and truth. TEC asked for diversity to be respected. Where is even elementary respect for the diversity of gospel orthodoxy represented by +Bob and the diocese of Pittsburgh? If the diocese was still undecided as to how to proceed in relation to TEC, this action would surely move them to leave. TEC may want to uphold its own distorted sense of its own polity. It should not now be surprised if the rest of the Anglican Communion now moves to assert its polity, without TEC.

Keith Sinclair
Bishop of Birkenhead, England

Diocese of Nelson, New Zealand, Passes Resolution in Support of Pittsburgh, Bishop Duncan

2008-09-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

We have received confirmation that the following resolution was passed today by Synod of the Diocese of Nelson in the Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia.

That this Synod:
noting

(1) the deposition of Bishop Bob Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh in The Episcopal Church, by the assembled bishops of that church, on 18 September 2008;
(2) the good standing and high reputation Bishop Bob Duncan has as an orthodox Anglican bishop, as represented by statements of support being expressed in recent days by the Archbishops of Sydney, Nigeria, Rwanda, Southern Cone, West Indies, Kenya, Jerusalem and the Middle East, Singapore, numerous bishops within The Episcopal Church itself, and the Bishops of Winchester, Rochester, Chester, Exeter, Blackburn and Chichester;
(3) various developments in The Episcopal Church and in the Anglican Church of Canada in recent years which place increasing pressure on faithful orthodox Anglicans to conform to changes in theology, liturgy and ethics rather than to uphold and maintain the 2000 year old teaching of the church;

offers its support to Bishop Bob Duncan, to the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and to all bishops and dioceses in The Episcopal Church and in the Anglican Church of Canada as they seek to find a way forward which embodies the true spirit of orthodox Anglicanism.

From Caleb and Denise Culver, Kennewick, Washington

2008-09-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

We so appreciate your faithfulness to the Jesus Christ, to the Gospel, and to His church in Pittsburgh. During our graduate studies at CMU, we attended Church of the Ascension, a church that we love deeply. We were blessed to hear you speak on a couple of occasions and we briefly met you when we became members of that church. Although we have been back in the Northwest for a few years now, we have continued to pray for Ascension, the Pittsburgh diocese, and for you. We thank the Lord for His provision of your leadership in Pittsburgh, and we will continue to lift you in prayer.

Caleb and Denise Culver
Kennewick, Washington

Letter from Archbishop Orombi

2008-09-25T08:37:00.000-07:00

24th September 2008

The Rt. Rev. Robert Duncan
Pittsburgh, PA
USA

Dear Bishop Duncan,

I greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the name above all names, and the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I have very intentionally addressed this letter to you as Bishop Duncan, for, indeed, you are a Bishop.

I was upcountry tending to pastoral business when the TEC House of Bishops took their vote to supposedly depose you, so I am very sorry that I could not add my name at the time to the very good statement issued by my esteemed colleagues, Archbishops Venables, Gomez, and Nzimbi. I hope you know of the unqualified support you have from me and our entire House of Bishops.
In 2004, when the Church of Uganda broke communion with TEC, we stated that, although we were breaking communion with TEC, we remained in communion with you, the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and all who uphold the historic and Biblical faith of Anglicanism and did not support the unbiblical decision of confirming the election of Gene Robinson to the episcopate.

Despite the shameful action taken last week by the majority of TEC Bishops, nothing about our position has changed. We continue to recognize you as a Bishop of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. We continue to recognize you as a Bishop in good standing in the Anglican Communion, and we whole-heartedly support the action of Archbishop Greg Venables and the House of Bishops of the Province of the Southern Cone to receive you into their House of Bishops. We continue in full communion with you and we do not recognize the action of the TEC House of Bishops to depose you.

Furthermore, we are praying that on 4th October the majority of the Diocese of Pittsburgh will vote to be reunited with you as their Bishop. When the King of Buganda tried to destroy the Christian movement in 1886 by killing the converts in his court, he instead fueled the spread of the Gospel among our people. I believe that can also happen in North America. So, do not be discouraged. Our God is a God of redemption, and He will take what was intended for evil and bring good out of it.

Finally, if the world couldn’t see it before, this vote reveals how spiritually lost TEC is and why North America needs a new Province that authentically represents historic and Biblical Anglicanism. The Instruments of the Anglican Communion could have averted this crisis. Instead, institutional inertia is preferred, and meanwhile, the tear in the fabric of our communion is now deeper and wider, the mission of the church suffers, and many people miss out on hearing the good news that a Saviour has come.

I look forward to the day when you are not only the Moderator of the Common Cause Partnership, but when we can also welcome you to the table of Primates as the Archbishop of a new, Biblically faithful Province in North America. May the Lord grant you wisdom and apostolic favour as you lead that movement, and may He add daily the number who are being saved.

Yours, in Christ,

The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi
ARCHBISHOP OF CHURCH OF UGANDA

Six Church of England Diocesan Bishops Make Joint Statement of Support

2008-09-23T11:46:00.001-07:00

As bishops in the Church of England, we are deeply saddened and shocked by the proposed deposition of Bishop Robert Duncan in the Episcopal Church, USA. We declare that we continue to believe that Bishop Bob is a bishop in the Church of God and a bishop in good standing in the Anglican Communion. We continue to pray for him and for his diocese of Pittsburgh.

+Nicholas Blackburn [The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Stewart, Diocese of Blackburn]
+Peter Cestr: [The Rt. Rev. Peter Forster, Diocese of Chester]
+John Cicester: [The Rt. Rev. John Hind, Diocese of Chichester]
+Michael Exon: [The Rt. Rev. Michael Langrish, Diocese of Exeter]
+Michael Roffen: [The Rt. Rev. Dr. Michael James Nazir-Ali, Diocese of Rochester]
+Michael Winton: [The Rt. Rev. Michael Scott-Joynt, Diocese of Winchester]

Group of 21 Congregations Offer Support

2008-09-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

The Association of Western Anglican Congregations (Western Anglicans) greets the news of the deposition of Bishop Bob Duncan with sadness and dismay. It is indeed a sad day when such a godly Christian leader as Bishop Duncan is treated with such appalling disrespect.

For at least five years, Bishop Bob Duncan’s leadership, faithfulness, humility, and vision has given encouragement and hope to orthodox Anglicans throughout the United States, Canada, and many other places around the world. It is gratifying to know that the recent actions of the TEC House of Bishops will give him more freedom to exercise his ministry to gather orthodox Anglicans in North America.

All in Western Anglicans continue to give their wholehearted support for Bishop Duncan as he leads us forward in creating a new orthodox Anglican province in North America. We also extend our prayers and love to Bishop Duncan and his wife, Nara, during this time of transition. As we all know, in Jesus the battle is already won. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:57 ESV)

On behalf of the Executive Committee of Western Anglicans, representing thousands of orthodox Anglican believers here in the Southwest,

The Rev. William A. Thompson
Collegiate Vicar
Association of Western Anglican Congregations

Western Anglicans is a fellowship of 21 orthodox Anglican churches cooperating across jurisdictional lines in Southern California and Arizona that are working together in mission and ministry in order to build up the Kingdom of God through evangelism and the formation of new churches.

Fort Worth Standing Committee Rejects "Deposition"

2008-09-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Fort Worth rejects the deposition by the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church of the Bishop of Pittsburgh, Robert William Duncan. The unconstitutional and illegal interpretations of the Presiding Bishop and the use of the canons in ways that were never intended deprived Bishop Duncan of a fair trial.

Bishop Duncan is a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. We rejoice in Bishop Duncan’s admission to the College of Bishops of the Southern Cone, and we reaffirm our commitment to work with him as a bishop in good standing in the Communion.

The Very Rev. Ryan Reed, President
The Rev. Dr. Thomas Hightower, clergy member
The Very Rev. Christopher Cantrell, clergy member
Judy Mayo, lay member
Walter Virden, lay member
Dr. Franklin Salazar, lay member

An Open Letter to Bishop Duncan from "Remain Faithful"

2008-09-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Bishop Duncan-

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We want you to know that we are lifting you and yours up in prayer. We commend you on your dedicated leadership within the Anglican Communion, Anglican Communion Network, and Common Cause Partnership. You are one of a very few Bishops who have stood for the historic faith even in light of horrible, unprecedented and unwarranted threats by The Episcopal Church (TEC). We applaud your stand for our historic faith and are proud to stand beside you as faithful laity. The Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pittsburgh are also in our prayers. We encourage all faithful orthodox within Pittsburgh to move forward with renewed conviction at your upcoming Diocesan Convention and we look forward to the continuance of the realignment that you have personally helped implement so we can have a safe place to worship our God without heretical demands by the leadership of TEC.

We condemn the Presiding Bishop and House of Bishops of TEC for their illegal and unchristian actions yesterday. Their stance is a clear one- they will not stop at promoting their revisionist agenda regardless of the cost to our Church here- or across the broader Anglican Communion. Their secular mission is equally clear- to try and take property from the very individuals and parishes who built and paid for their property with no assistance whatsoever from TEC. We are lifted up, however, with the knowledge that the damage they have done to His Church will not last- as we who stand for the historic faith will emerge stronger and our mission to spread the Gospel will be strengthened. The “silent majority” are now awakened and rising up out of the pews to reform our Church. Thank you for your courageous leadership and example you provide all toward that end.

We call on the Primates of the Anglican Communion and the Archbishop of Canterbury to condemn the actions of the Presiding Bishop and the House of Bishops.

We are encouraged and grateful for your rapid reception as a Bishop by the Southern Cone. Soon, many more of us will be able to work together without interference toward our goal- the formation of a new orthodox Anglican Province in North America. Better days are ahead- and we look forward to working closely with you on the formation of the new Province. Know that you have our full and complete respect and support.

May God sustain and bless you Bishop Duncan, His faithful and unwavering servant, at this time.

Chad Bates, Chair
Remain Faithful
(On behalf of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors and Members of Remain Faithful)

Remain Faithful is an organization of over 900 orthodox Anglican and Episcopal laity who collectively have been members of the Church for over 38, 500 years. You can join us or review our position paper at http://www.remainfaithful.org/

Overwhelming response

2008-09-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

Over the past several days, well over a hundred comments of support for Bishop Duncan have been directed to this website alone. The compilation of these sentiments currently weighs in at nearly thirty pages of text. Thank you for willingness to voice your prayerful concern, and know that Bishop Duncan will continue to be forwarded all of your well-wishes.

Archbishop Peter Akinola Signs on to Primates' Statement in Support of Diocese, Bishop Duncan

2008-09-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Archbishop Peter Akinola, leader of The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the largest Anglican province in the world, has signed on to this previously released statement in support of Bishop Duncan.

A Joint Statement from Archbishops Akinola of Nigeria, Venables of the Southern Cone, Gomez of the West Indies and Nzimbi of Kenya.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen. We the undersigned are grieved at the violation of catholic order in the declaration of deposition of The Right Rev. Robert Duncan by the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church and consider it to be invalid. Legitimate actions of catholic order must rise from Biblical catholic faith. Actions such as this continue to alienate countless Christian people not only within, but beyond the limits of the Communion. We continue to recognize the fidelity and validity of Bishop Duncan's orders, role, and ministry. Without reservation, we continue in full sacramental communion with him as an Anglican bishop. We thank God that by the vote of the Provincial Synod he has been given membership in the House of Bishops of the Southern Cone. Our fellowship and shared ministry with him is not disrupted.

Yours in Christ,

The Most Rev Gregory Venables
The Most Rev Peter Akinola
The Most Rev Drexel Gomez
The Most Rev Benjamin Nzimbi

Pittsburgh Roman Catholic Bishop Comments

2008-09-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

From the Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Bishop David Zubik of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh said he was "very sorry" to learn of the action against Bishop Duncan.

"My heart aches for the Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh. Any time there is division in the church it hurts not only the Episcopal Church, in this case, but all Christians. I have profound respect for Bishop Duncan. He is a good friend and a courageous leader," he said.

House of Bishops Removal of Bishop Duncan Didn't Conform to Christian Teachings Say Pittsburgh Poll Respondants

2008-09-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

Local Pittsburghers strongly reject the assertion that the House of Bishops' action against Bishop Duncan "conformed to Christian teachings" The unscientific poll, which was carried on local radio station KQV and in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, shows 73 percent of local residents answering "No" to the question "Do you think the decision of the House of Bishops to remove Bishop Duncan conforms to Christian teachings?"

Statement from the Province of Southeast Asia in Support of Pittsburgh

2008-09-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

We received with great distress the news of the deposition of the Rt Revd Bob Duncan, the Bishop of Pittsburgh, by the House of Bishops (HOB) of The Episcopal Church (TEC). The Communion has repeatedly asked TEC to make pastoral provisions and avoid steps that will alienate further those within TEC who wish to live by the Anglican faith which they believe to be true and remain in fellowship within the Anglican Communion. Even as recent as at the recent Lambeth, the great majority of Bishops present, including those from TEC, have expressed sincere desire for healing and reconciliation and to observe restraints on contentious issues for the Windsor-Covenant process to proceed.

The HOB has instead proceeded to depose a faithful bishop of the Gospel and the diocese under his care. This raises serious questions yet again, and more strikingly so soon after Lambeth, as to how sincere TEC and some of its bishops are in wanting to bring reconciliation, healing and resolution to the Communion crisis at hand.

The Province of Southeast Asia will continue to support, remain in full communion and prayerfully explore steps to strengthen our shared life with Anglican leaders like Bishop Bob Duncan and the Diocese of Pittsburgh as well as other TEC bishops who respect the mind of the Communion and remain faithful to the teaching of Scripture as expressed in the tradition and life of the Church. We urge those who have not chosen to ‘walk apart’ to work actively and sincerely with the Windsor-Covenant Process and other measures agreed at the Communion level. This is probably the only remaining opportunity to bind the Communion together out of this crisis which will strengthen our future common life, witness in the world and our place as an Anglican ecclesial family within the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Most Rev’d Dr John Chew
Province of Southeast Asia

Bishop of Chichester sends greetings to Pittsburgh

2008-09-22T05:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Bob,

I don’t suppose any of us - and least of all you - have been surprised by the way this week turned out. You must be inundated with messages of support and I gladly add this to the list though deeply saddened that it is necessary. The impact of the decision to depose you will obviously be far reaching and take some time to evaluate. It cannot do any good for the standing of ECUSA within the Anglican Communion. One of the saddest things of all is the contrast between this action and the warm words about remaining in fellowship uttered at The Lambeth Conference by some of those who voted for your ousting..

May God bless you, Nara, and the Diocese of Pittsburgh to whom I send my greeting and the promise of my continued prayers,

Yours in the love and service of Jesus Christ,

John

John Hind
Bishop of Chichester

About this website

2008-09-19T10:40:00.004-07:00

The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh's communications team has created this website for the purpose of posting and sharing comments in support of Bishop Robert Duncan and The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh in light of his purported deposition by The Episcopal Church on September 18. Posted below are several public announcements of support from leaders throughout global Anglicanism. Personal notes offering prayers and support for laity and clergy all over the world continue to pour in as well. Do you have a comment of support for Bishop Duncan or The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh? Please email shawnmalarkey@gmail.com with your messages, knowing that they will be shared with him, and may be posted to this site.

A Statement from Archbishop Mouneer Anis of Jerusalem and the Middle East

2008-09-19T10:40:00.003-07:00

From Archbishop Mouneer Anis:

My Dear Bishop Duncan,

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ!It is with great sadness that I have learnt of your deposition by the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church in the U.S.

It is with great joy that I welcome you alongside the ranks of St. Athanasius who, as Bishop of Alexandria, was deposed and exiled from his see. St. Athanasius did not waver and stood firm. History proved that his stance for orthodoxy was not in vain. I trust it will do the same for you! So please count it as honor my brother.

I don’t know what to call it, a tragedy or comedy, for the faithful to be disciplined by those who tear the fabric of our Anglican Communion.Please be assured of my support and that the Diocese of Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa will continue recognize you as a faithful bishop. You are faithful to Jesus Christ, to the Church catholic, to the Anglican Communion, to the Windsor Process, and to your diocese. I find no fault in this. I trust that you will continue the ministry to which God has called you.

The true test of orthodoxy is not in the leader you may follow (1 Cor. 1:12), it is in the faith once delivered (Jude 1:3), the faith founded in Jesus Christ, the faith you were baptized into, catechized through and the faith you live out. Thank you for your faithful witness to Jesus Christ in spite of the opposition.Please be assured of my prayers and my love to you and Nara, and to the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pittsburgh.May the Lord bless you!

Yours in Christ,

+Mouneer Egypt

Archbishop Kolini Offers Support

2008-09-19T10:40:00.002-07:00

From Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda:

17 September 2008

News is circulating around the United State and the Anglican Communion that the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops is likely to depose the Rt. Rev. Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh, this week at a special meeting. I have known and worked with Bishop Duncan for a number of years, and I know him to be a godly man.

As he faces this time of trial, I encourage him to remember that he is not being deposed by God, but only by man. He will remain very much a part of the new work that God is creating within Anglicanism. In addition, he and his family will remain in my thoughts and prayers, and I am confident that the Lord will bless Bishop Duncan in this new season of ministry.

I am reminded of Joseph's words to his brothers that are recorded in Genesis. <> (Genesis 50 : 20a, New King James Version). May this also be true for Bishop Duncan as he continues his faithful service to God and the Church.

Most Reverend Emmanuel Kolini
Archbishop of the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda

Three Archbishops Issue Joint Letter of Support

2008-09-19T10:40:00.001-07:00

A Joint Statement from Archbishops Venables of the Southern Cone, Gomez of the West Indies and Nzimbi of Kenya.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen. We the undersigned are grieved at the violation of catholic order in the declaration of deposition of The Right Rev. Robert Duncan by the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church and consider it to be invalid. Legitimate actions of catholic order must rise from Biblical catholic faith. Actions such as this continue to alienate countless Christian people not only within, but beyond the limits of the Communion. We continue to recognize the fidelity and validity of Bishop Duncan's orders, role, and ministry. Without reservation, we continue in full sacramental communion with him as an Anglican bishop. We thank God that by the vote of the Provincial Synod he has been given membership in the House of Bishops of the Southern Cone. Our fellowship and shared ministry with him is not disrupted.

Yours in Christ,

The Most Rev Gregory Venables
The Most Rev Drexel Gomez
The Most Rev Benjamin Nzimbi

From the Province of Southeast Asia

2008-09-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

22nd Sept 2008

We received with great distress the news of the deposition of the Rt Revd Bob Duncan, the Bishop of Pittsburgh, by the House of Bishops (HOB) of The Episcopal Church (TEC). The Communion has repeatedly asked TEC to make pastoral provisions and avoid steps that will alienate further those within TEC who wish to live by the Anglican faith which they believe to be true and remain in fellowship within the Anglican Communion. Even as recent as at the recent Lambeth, the great majority of Bishops present, including those from TEC, have expressed sincere desire for healing and reconciliation and to observe restraints on contentious issues for the Windsor-Covenant process to proceed.

The HOB has instead proceeded to depose a faithful bishop of the Gospel and the diocese under his care. This raises serious questions yet again, and more strikingly so soon after Lambeth, as to how sincere TEC and some of its bishops are in wanting to bring reconciliation, healing and resolution to the Communion crisis at hand.

The Province of Southeast Asia will continue to support, remain in full communion and prayerfully explore steps to strengthen our shared life with Anglican leaders like Bishop Bob Duncan and the Diocese of Pittsburgh as well as other TEC bishops who respect the mind of the Communion and remain faithful to the teaching of Scripture as expressed in the tradition and life of the Church. We urge those who have not chosen to ‘walk apart’ to work actively and sincerely with the Windsor-Covenant Process and other measures agreed at the Communion level. This is probably the only remaining opportunity to bind the Communion together out of this crisis which will strengthen our future common life, witness in the world and our place as an Anglican ecclesial family within the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Most Rev’d Dr John Chew
Province of Southeast Asia

American Anglican Council Voices Support

2008-09-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

The American Anglican Council (AAC) stands in full support of The Rt.Rev. Bob Duncan. Bishop Duncan, in spite of the Episcopal Church's (TEC)attempt to depose him for "abandonment of communion," is a bishop ingood standing in the Anglican Communion as a member of the House ofBishops of the Province of the Southern Cone and as the moderator of theCommon Cause Partnership.

"The illegal and unjust deposition of the Bishop of Pittsburgh was onemore cut, one more tear, and one more declaration of independence by TECfrom the rest of the Anglican Communion," said the Rt. Rev. David C.Anderson, president and CEO of the AAC.

Bishop Duncan has earned a place on the AAC's "wall of honor" along withmore than 100 clergy who have been deposed by TEC for upholding thehistoric Christian faith.

"We continue to support and encourage Bishop Duncan's leadership of theeffort to establish a separate North American province for biblicallyorthodox Anglican Christians," Anderson added.

From Fr. Joshua (Lynn Haven, FL)

2008-09-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Your Grace Bishop Duncan:

Apparently there has been a bit of unpleasantness come your way recently. Please, Your Grace, dismiss it. This trivial vapor will dissipate soon as we hear said in the Book of Ecclesiastes: "If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they." (Ecclesiastes 5:8. KJV).

With great respect, I have been a distant "friend" of yours for some time even though my "friendship" with you has been unknown to you! I have had you in my prayers and thoughts and I now see these prayers coming to a good and holy result. May Christ be praised!

Be faithful as usual. Be loving as usual. Be consistent and pious as usual. God is with you as usual!

Trust that you will continue to be in my daily prayers,

In Christ Jesus,

Hieromonk JOSHUA +
Holy Cross Orthodox Christian Outreach
Lynn Haven, Florida

A statement from Bishop John Howe of the Diocese of Central Florida

2008-09-19T10:30:00.001-07:00

Bishop Howe has written a longer note on the House of Bishops meeting. It is available here.

In that note, he writes:

"Bob Duncan is my friend, and Pittsburgh was my Diocese from 1972 to 1976. Bob and I have not always agreed, but we have been on the same side of most of the "issues," and I believe him to be a fearless and courageous contender for the Faith. I believe this is a very sad day for the Church, and I find myself in mourning."

A Statement from Bishop Jack Leo Iker of Fort Worth

2008-09-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

A Statement from the Diocese of Fort Worth:

In spite of the sham deposition of Bishop Robert Duncan by the TEC House of Bishops, he remains the formidable leader of traditional Episcopalians and loyal Anglicans in North America. Both in his role as Moderator of the Anglican Communion Network and as the lead Bishop in the Common Cause Partnership, Bishop Duncan continues to have the respect of a majority of the Primates and bishops of the entire Anglican Communion, including the Archbishop of Canterbury. In an effort to silence him, this action has only given him greater credibility as the leader of the realignment movement.

The Rt. Rev. Jack Leo IkerBishop of Fort Worth

Forward in Faith International "Deplores" Decision by House of Bishops

2008-09-19T10:00:00.001-07:00

Forward in Faith deplores the deposition by the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church of the Bishop of Pittsburgh, Robert William Duncan. Bishop Duncan is a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and a respected leader of faithful Anglicans both in and beyond The Episcopal Church. His summary deposition shows scant respect for due process and calls into question both the political wisdom and Christian charity of the Presiding Bishop. We welcome Bishop Duncan’s admission to the College of Bishops of the Southern Cone, and call upon all other orthodox bishops to assert their solidarity with him as a bishop in good standing in the Communion.

+John Fulham
Chairman
Forward in Faith International

A Statement from Anglican Mainstream

2008-09-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the recent vote of TEC House of Bishops to depose the Bishop of Pittsburgh for abandonment of communion. To take such action is hardly in the spirit of the reflections at this year's Lambeth Conference or the Archbishop of Canterbury's final presidential address.We see this vote as further evidence that The Episcopal Church in the USA in its formal decisions and structures 'have denied the orthodox faith'. As the Jerusalem Declaration on behalf of 1100 Anglican church leaders around the world said: 'We reject the authority of those churches and leaders who have denied the orthodox faith in word or deed. We pray for them and call on them to repent and return to the Lord.'"

"Anglicans who adhere to the orthodox faith will continue to welcome and receive the ministry of Bishop Bob Duncan as a faithful Bishop and wish him and the people of the Diocese of Pittsburgh the Lord's blessing in their faithful witness to the gospel."Dr Philip Giddings (Convenor, Anglican Mainstream)

Canon Dr Chris Sugden (Executive Secretary, Anglican Mainstream)

Convocation of Anglicans in North America Says Episcopal Church "Firing Blanks"

2008-09-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

The Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) responded to The Episcopal Church’s decision to depose Bishop Bob Duncan, moderator of the Common Cause Partnership and the head of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, from the priesthood. CANA is a founding member of the Common Cause Partnership.

“We support Bishop Duncan, a godly man who has chosen to follow the historic teaching of the worldwide Anglican Communion and to remain steadfast in his faith. CANA continues to recognize Bishop Duncan as a bishop in good standing in the Anglican Communion, as Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and as the moderator of the Common Cause Partnership. This hostile and uncanonical action by The Episcopal Church House of Bishops will not beaccepted by the worldwide Anglican Communion,” said CANA Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns.

David Bena, Suffragan Bishop of CANA, added, “What interests me is that this well planned ambush of Bishop Duncan by the leadership of The Episcopal Church failed to take into account something pretty important – they are firing blanks. Bishop Duncan is now even more respected across the world, remains in office, and just went up another notch as a respected leader in the Anglican Communion.”

“We hope and pray for the leaders of The Episcopal Church that they would protect the interests of its members by working with – rather than fiercely against – its bishops to proclaim the life-transforming news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That should be the goal of all Christians. Sadly, tryingto fire a bishop in good standing with the rest of the Anglican Communion does nothing to save one soul,” Bishop Minns concluded.

The Convocation of Anglicans in North America (http://www.canaconvocation.org/ ) currently consists of approximately 70 congregations and 150 clergy in 21 states. CANA was established in 2005 to provide a means by which Anglicans living in the USA who were alienated by the actions and decisions of The Episcopal Church could continue to live out their faith without compromising their core convictions. Created as a missionary initiative of the Church of Nigeria, about a dozen of the congregations are primarily expatriate Nigerians. CANA is part of the Common Cause partnership that includes representatives of more than 250 Anglican congregations that are connected to the rest of the Anglican Communion, a worldwide fellowship of some 70 million, through various pastoral and missionary initiatives.

A Statement from Archbishop Peter Jensen

2008-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

A statement from Archbishop Peter Jensen:

“The unfolding tragedy of the Episcopal Church starkly reveals the folly of the original decision to break with the Bible and centuries of historic Christianity on the issue of human sexuality.We grieve for Bishop Duncan but are encouraged by his courageous witness.I welcome the statements of the many significant figures in the Anglican world who have expressed grave concern at this act towards a man who remains in good standing with the majority of the communion.”

A Statement from the Diocese of Recife:

2008-09-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

A statement from the Diocese of Recife:

"The Diocese of Recife, Brazil, the first to have its bishop deposed, its clergy excomunicated and its congregation excluded by an intolerant post-modern liberal Province leadership, the first to see the creation of a "shadow diocese"and the apointment of an "alternate" bishop, as a pioneer of today's martydom of oxthodox in the Anglican Communion, express its solidarity to Bishop Robert Duncan, to the Diocese of Pittsburgh and to all other US dioceses that soon or later will receive the same unfair treatment.A new faithful Province for North America is a matter of urgency. This is a moment of protest, reafirmation and unity. May God bless you.

-The Rt Revd. Robinson Cavalcanti, Diocesan Bishop
-The Rev. Mauricio Amazonas, Chariman of the Diocesan Standing Committee.

From the Rev. Libbie Weber

2008-09-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Bishop Duncan,

I can think of nothing better to say than what Archbishop Mouneer Anis wrote to you after the proceedings this week! His is a simply elegant encouragement to you, and I wish to second it and to thank you for standing up for our Christian faith in the Episcopal Church, the Anglican Communion, and the world. I thank God most heartily for you and your example.

A priest in the Diocese of the Rio Grande,
Libbie Weber+

From R. Anderson (Birmingham, AL)

2008-09-19T08:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Bishop Bob,

Your faithful courage is witness to the power of Christ, giving you His words, with steadfast calm, and enabling you to tell the truth so clearly. It is a privilege to know you and to continue in prayer for you, I am ever thankful for your witness to all that is true and right, watching with you reaffirms to us all that in Christ alone our hope is found, all other ground is sinking sand.

I am saddened for Pittsburgh today, and for the church I grew up in, but am deeply grateful for your stand for the faith once delivered, Jesus Christ yesterday, today and forever.

With love to Nara and you,
Robin Anderson
Birmingham, AL

From Jill Clark (Cedar Hill, TX)

2008-09-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Bishop Duncan,

I have been following the events leading up to the big vote yesterday and I just wanted to let you know that you've been in my prayers. God is definitely at work in His Church and I believe this is part of a new reformation that Bishop Stephen Jecko talked about the year before he went home to be with our Lord. It's not a very comfortable or easy place to be in, so I pray that God will continue to strengthen and empower you for the next phase of your ministry in His Church and give you His peace. Thank you for being faithful to the call and for holding fast to the Truth.

Blessings,
Jill Clark
Cedar Hill, TX

From Rev. William Cobb (El Paso)

2008-09-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Bishop Bob,

Thanks so much for your encouagement over the years! God will reward you for your sacrifice. Thank you for standing for the Lord and His Church! The Church of St. Clement of El Paso, Texas, prays for you constantly. May Jesus Christ be your shield and defender.

-The Rev. William Cobb, Rector