Pennsylvanians vote no confidence in Bennison
Delegates to the diocesan convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania yesterday voted 341 to 134 in favor of a resolution expressing their lack of trust in their bishop, Rt. Rev. Charles Bennison, and requesting his immediate resignation.
The resolution said simply,
RESOLVED: That the 227Convention of the Diocese of Pennsylvania express its belief that the Rt. Rev. Charles Bennison does not have the trust of the people and clergy of the Diocese of Pennsylvania to continue to serve as their Bishop; and be it furtherRESOLVED: That the 227th Convention of the Diocese of Pennsylvania express its desire that the Rt. Rev. Charles Bennison resign immediately as the Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania.
The bishop offered no comment after the vote, which was presided over by Assisting Bishop Rodney Michel. Bennison merely proceeded with business.
It was noted, during the discussion phase of this resolution that Scripture tells us how to deal with broken relationships within the church (by having a direct conversation with the person, then taking two folks to speak to the offender, then the whole church and then to treat the person like a tax collector or a foreigner). A second and very wise person came forward and invited us to remember how Jesus treated tax collectors and strangers. We forget that sometimes when we are 'right".
Needless to say, there was a great deal of energized discussion. We voted and the results were noted. Then we got back to work on the matters within the diocese that we can do something about. Joan Chittister says that God's will is what remains after you've done everything in your power to change your situation. I beleive that we are there and now must discern what God is now calling us to do. Perhaps there is a bigger picture here that we are not seeing at this moment. It's time for us to move forward toward the Reign of God no matter who the bishop is.
Posted by Peter Pearson![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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November 7, 2010 4:36 PM