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NEW YORK: Ousted House of Deputies President Issues Statement
[ENS] 11/6/2004-- The Very Rev. George Werner, president of the national House of Deputies of the Episcopal Church since being elected to that post in 2000, issued the following statement in response to a November 6 action of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, meeting in convention. Werner is retired dean of Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh, and has been active in ministry within the diocese since 1979.
"I have just learned that I have not been elected Deputy to represent the Diocese of Pittsburgh for the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. I have been singularly blessed to have represented the Diocese of Pittsburgh during the last eight General Conventions of the Episcopal Church. I have treasured this ministry and give deep thanks for these opportunities to serve this part of the Body of Christ.
"As President of the House of Deputies, my term will run until the adjournment of the 75th General Convention (scheduled for June 2006 in Columbus, Ohio). Not serving as a deputy means that I will not have to make a choice as to whether I should seek a third and final term as Presiding Officer.
"My mentor and our Diocesan Canon Theologian, Dr. Kenneth Bailey, referring to Zaccheus and the father of the prodigal sons, has taught me often of "the costly demonstration of unexpected love." I am deeply moved and humbled by the example of such love by veteran Deputies such as Jim Simons, Scott Quinn, Elizabeth Hobbs and Bill Roemer who chose to stand up for me in a difficult place and a difficult moment of history. These brothers and sisters in Christ have put aside our significant differences in the current struggle, to graciously urge my re-election.
"I was struck this week by the words of the collect honoring Richard Hooker, perhaps the central figure in the history of Anglicanism: "Grant that we may maintain that middle way not as a compromise for the sake of peace, but as a comprehension for the sake of truth."
I am grateful to our Bishop and my brothers and sisters throughout the diocese for my many blessings in serving here. May God bless us all on our pilgrimage to the Kingdom."
The Very Rev. George Werner
President, House of Deputies
The Episcopal Church USA
