By unanimous vote, the standing committee of the Diocese of Pennsylvania has asked its Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr., to retire or resign. Standing committee member the Rev. Glen M. Matis, rector of the Church of the Resurrection in Philadelphia, told The Living Church "the actions of the Standing Committee involved judgments concerning trusts and the bishop's ability to lead the diocese now." The standing committee is expected to issue a formal statement shortly.

In a letter to diocesan clergy dated Jan. 25, Bishop Bennison said he was “seriously praying about the standing committee’s request,” and called for prayer “for me, for our colleagues throughout the diocese, and above all for the unity and health of our diocese.”

In recent years, the diocese has spent $9.6 million in unrestricted net assets in order to meet program expenses as parochial contributions have declined. Bishop Bennison opened the diocese’s 222nd convention on Nov. 5 with a call to affirm his leadership. “If you feel I’m not leading you effectively, tell me, and if I feel it is God’s will, I’ll resign,” he said as reported in the diocesan newspaper, The Pennsylvania Episcopalian.

Convention rejected the proposed $4.8 million budget. It also rejected a proposed mandatory parochial assessment and approved a resolution calling for the election by convention of finance and property committee members, removing their appointment from the bishop’s authority.

On Jan 14., Diocesan Council approved an interim budget, cutting spending by $318,000, and asked that a special convention be held on March 25 to resolve the financial impasse.

Read the related story:

• Pennsylvania Bishop ‘Committed to Staying,’ Won’t Resign

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