NYT: Pittsburgh Episcopal Diocese Votes for Split

By SEAN D. HAMILL
October 4, 2008

MONROEVILLE, Pa. — A wide majority of clergy and lay members of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh voted Saturday to leave the national church and align with a more conservative South American branch, adding to the fallout from the 2003 election and consecration of an openly gay bishop.

“We have had a historic day here in Monroeville,” said Robert W. Duncan, who was removed by the national church as the diocese’s bishop on Sept. 18 because of his push for secession.

Mr. Duncan, who is expected to be returned to his post as the diocese realigns with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, based in Argentina, concluded a speech Saturday with a salutation in Spanish: “Buenos días.” the rest