Official Diocesan Blog

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

Growing up in the industrial Midlands of England, I was unaware of discrimination due to race. I was, however, quite conscious of ever-present discrimination due to regional, educational, and class differences that marked much of British society. But racial prejudice was simply not something that I encountered. The handful of people of darker skin that I came across were usually professional men and women – doctors and teachers, etc.

This is the first of what we intend to be monthly communications from Standing Committee in which we will provide updates on the Standing Committee’s work during this season in our Diocese. The Standing Committee meets four days a week by Zoom, and subcommittees work daily on various initiative and matter important to our Diocese. The Standing Committee welcomes questions about its work during this season, about our collective ministry, or about other questions about the ongoing mission of our Diocese.

Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting. This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism. It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful, were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church.

This Book Conversation was different than previous ones. According to Bernice McDonald from Church of the Transfiguration in Elizabeth, “This was the best and most relevant of the Conversations I've participated in." As with our previous books, Beyond Racial Gridlock by George Yancey was very thought-provoking.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)

Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20)

Dear Friends:

Attached to this letter are two prayers for the Diocese as it enters into this season of discernment and search for a new bishop. The first prayer was written specifically for the leadership of this diocese and the second taken from the 2019 Book of Common Prayer.

I have reviewed these prayers with the Standing Committee and it is their hope, and mine, that you would use them in your personal devotions and also during the public prayers of your congregation in whatever way you are able to gather for worship.

The Standing Committee is pleased to announce that Ms. Sarah Kwolek has been appointed as the new Director of Administration for the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. Sarah was previously the Director of Stewardship and Partnership. Sarah has held numerous development and administrative roles in the corporate and non-profit sector and has volunteered throughout her life in the administration of various congregations. She exhibits a deep commitment to collaborating with partners across the diocese to further its mission and accomplish its work.

Ad Clerum ["to the clergy"] on the Sanctity of Life

"Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

As we watch and pray over the disturbing events in our Nation’s Capital, and the struggles between powerful elites and special interest groups, we can be distracted from the day to day reality of most Americans as they face into the growing pandemic and its many challenges - especially those who are powerless and who live with special needs. It is a world with which we became much more familiar on August 6, 1982.