The Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr., said he and members of his staff at Church House worked hard to build trust and educate members of the Diocese of Pennsylvania during the 140 days that elapsed between Nov. 5 when the annual convention failed to approve a budget and a March 25 special convention, which he described as a victory for the spirit of cooperation and a vote of confidence in his leadership.

“There was a real spirit of love and a willingness to take risks and work together,” Bishop Bennison told The Living Church. “The one disappointment for me was that they cut the pledge to the national Church. I fought that all the way. That was the only proposed budget cut that I addressed during the [special] convention homily. I plan to do all I can this year to make that up.”

Bishop Bennison said the success of the special convention was evidence of the “tremendous, widespread support” for his leadership among the laity and the majority of the clergy and he said he had no intention of reconsidering his earlier decision in which he declined a request from the standing committee that he “retire or resign” by March 31.

“I would not be doing my job if I were not subject to criticism,” Bishop Bennison said. “It has not undermined what I am called to do as bishop. Like many dioceses in the country, we are struggling with churches closing. We are dealing with some knotty problems. You can’t make progress without some conflict.”

Delegates to the special convention approved a $4.15 million budget. Bishop Bennison said he had done some reconfiguration of the job descriptions of diocesan staff at Church House and contrary to what has been reported, he anticipated no reduction of diocesan staff positions. Furthermore bookings by outside groups have been so brisk at the Wapiti Camp and Conference Center that he anticipates little or no reduction in programs and services provided there this year.

“The whole business plan is working out beautifully,” he said. “Most people in the diocese want to have Wapiti. We know we can do as much in a week or two at summer camp as we can do in a year of Sunday school. Wapiti is just one aspect of diocesan youth ministry. Unless we can attract our kids to church and ignite their faith in Jesus Christ, our Church will continue to decline.”

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