Letters to and about Bp. Bob Duncan

Bishop Duncan received formal word today that the Presiding Bishop had issued a letter of Deposition. The text of the letter to the Bishop follows.

The Episcopal Church
The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop and Primate
September 22, 2008

Robert W. Duncan
125 N. Linden Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15208

Dear Bob,

I wanted to write you personally to inform you that following the House of Bishop’s decision to consent to your deposition, of which you are already aware, I have signed the Sentence of Deposition, a copy of which is enclosed.

I think the press statement following the vote accurately sets forth the prayerful and thoughtful atmosphere of the discussions.

Please know that I urged the bishops gathered to hold you in prayer, and to do what they can to maintain a pastoral relationship with you. I pray that you may know the peace of Jesus Christ, and I remain

Your servant in Christ,

Katharine Jefferts Schori

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Here's what the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Fort Worth had to say:

Sept. 22, 2008

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

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This is my favorite phrase: "The unconstitutional and illegal interpretations of the Presiding Bishop and the use of the canons in ways that were never intended . . ."

This group is an expert on unconstitutional and illegal interpretations and the use of canons in ways that were never intended.