from Fr Scott Homer
The judge in the case Calvary Church vs. The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh has found in favor of Calvary Church. This is a substantial loss to our diocese. Some 15 million dollars in assets will be lost unless the case is successfully appealed. The case did not address the issue of who owns parishes and parish assets and so, our immediate future is not imperiled by this court decision.
I have imported two documents for your review. One is a report on the Judge’s ruling from The Living Church foundation. The other is Bp Bob Duncan’s response to the ruling—a letter you will heard read in church this Sunday. The two will give you a reasonable understanding of what has happened which something that will not happen if you rely on newspaper reports.
Just a word from me: As you know, the men of the parish have been scheduled to go on retreat this weekend for about six months. While the news about this court case is important, it does not present a matter of such magnitude that it ought to interrupt our ministry. The trip is going forward. What does this judgement mean to us? Well, it is simply too early to tell. We will know more in a few days.
The wardens and I met today and made substantial progress. This evening I will be with diocesan leadedrship and I will be meeting with your vestry tomorrow evening. Following that meeting I will advise you all of what we have learned and how we are thinking we need to proceed. In the meantime, please pray for wisdom and guidance for me and your leadership and please avoid rushing to judgment or wrong conclusions. It is a time for steady, calm and reasoned action.
Finally, if you should have any questions or any anxieties that you would like to share I am always available to take your call. My numbers are in the parish directory. God bless you all. I am very blessed to be placed in this faithful congregation.
In Christ, Scott+
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