Facts are facts

The Rev. David D. Wilson ("Church Division," Feb. 19 letters) is mistaken if he believes the Oct. 4 Pittsburgh vote to realign with the Anglican province of the Southern Cone in South America created a wholly new Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh. This vote in no way makes redundant an existing diocese that remains solidly affiliated with the Episcopal Church headquartered in New York.

The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh is very much alive and, with prayerful, spirit-guided attention, will thrive and grow. While disagreement on theology, discipline and practice is always painful, it is hardly new. Anyone with a passing familiarity of the evolution of Protestantism since the Reformation knows this.

But facts are facts, and the Rev. Wilson is not entitled to his own facts. Denominational canons are clear that church property is held in common by the national church. That means, ladies and gentlemen, that the marbles belong to all Episcopalians. By all means, if you want to leave the playground because you don't like the rules of the game, you are free to do so. But you can't take the marbles with you.

 

MICHELE D. BAUM
Upper St. Clair