October 29, 2009

Opinion: The Diocese Must Appeal

We await formal announcement from the Anglican Diocese of their response to the judge's decision. As you may recall, the judge found in favor of TEC (Calvary)and awarded all diocesan assets to them. You also know where I stand on our appropriate values. I believe that property and money matters are secondary to mission and ministry and that our attentions must not be diverted from the task of Gospel minsitry, even when the issue is our church building. Nevertheless, I am writing to make an argument for appealing the lower court ruling.

There are at least three major reasons why an appeal is essential:

1. Gospel ministry is done primarily at the parish level. Local resources fuel all sorts of humanitarian efforts. Local resources pay for the missions that are reaching out to the lost and the lonely. Local resources pay for worship. If the court ruling stands it will substantially compromise the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ in our region.

2. The court ruling ignores the fact that the diocese of Pittsburgh acted in complete accord with their own constitution and canons, followed all proper precedent, and had the right to decide, as a diocese to realign. If the ruling stands it would strip us all of our standing within a legitimate diocese of the Anglican Communion.

3. If we are stripped of our status as a legitimate diocese we are also barred from defending ourselves corporately and will be forced to defend ourselves, as best we can, individually. This would represent a tremendous hardship on all but the largest and best financed parishes. It is much easier and much more fiscally responsible to fight as a diocese.

Please pray for the Anglican Communion, for the Diocese and for our parish. Pray that God's will be done and that He gives us the grace to follow him at all times. I continue to pray for each of you and I am seeing my prayers bearing fruit. I admire your courage and your faithfulness.

In Christ,

Fr. Scott Homer

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