In Support of Bishop Clumber

About this website

2010-04-01T13:49:00.000-04:00

The Real Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh's communications team has created this website for the purpose of posting and sharing comments in support of Bishop Ozzie Clumber and The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh in light of the former Bishop of the Diocese's very real deposition by The Episcopal Church on September 18. Posted below are several public announcements of support from leaders throughout global Anglicanism. Personal notes offering prayers and support for laity and clergy all over the world continue to pour in as well. Do you have a comment of support for Bishop Clumber or The Real Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh? Please email ozzie dot clumber at gmail dot com with your messages, knowing that they will be shared with him, and also may be posted to this site.

Final Post?

2008-10-06T15:48:00.002-04:00

Well, apparently while the support for Bishop Clumber in the Real Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh is just getting going, the pretender to the throne has thrown in the towel and run out of support for the ex-bishop of this diocese.

Thanks for playing, and better luck next time!

Yours in Christ,

+clumber

Katharine Supports +Clumber!

2008-10-05T12:29:00.002-04:00

"I believe that the vast majority of Episcopalians and Anglicans will be intensely grieved by the actions of individuals who thought it necessary to remove them from The Episcopal Church," Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said after the vote. "I have repeatedly reassured Episcopalians that there is abundant room for dissent within this Church, and that loyal opposition is a long and honored tradition within Anglicanism. Schism is not, having frequently been seen as a more egregious error than charges of heresy. There is room in this Church for all who desire to be members of it. The actions of the former bishop of Pittsburgh, and some lay and clergy leaders, have removed themselves from this Church; the rest of the Church laments their departure. We stand ready to welcome the return of any who wish to rejoin this part of the Body of Christ.

"We will work with remaining Episcopalians in Pittsburgh to provide support as they reorganize the Diocese and call a bishop to provide episcopal ministry. The people of The Episcopal Church hold all concerned in our prayers -- for healing and comfort in time of distress, and for discernment as they seek their way into the future.

"The mission of God, in which The Episcopal Church participates, is to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We cannot do one without doing the other. We believe that it is in serving the least among us that we discover the image of God, and the presence of a suffering Christ. It is in serving those least that we rediscover our common mission, which transcends our differences. Jesus weeps at the bickering of his brothers and sisters, particularly when they miss him in their midst."

Katharine seems to have forgotten my name, but I'm sure she remembers asking me to be the first canine bishop and acting bishop of Pittsburgh.

(Between you and me, she sure is wordy... I said it before, if you want to be here, we want you here....)

Bishop of Playing, physically hurt, but mentally sharp

2008-10-03T08:56:00.001-04:00

Let me offer my collegial and loving support to you and the humans in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

I pray that together we four-legged bishops will be an example, a shining light, of what is possible when dogs and cats commit themselves to having fun and napping. Surly those mammals who understand themselves to be bi-pedally oriented will, in the fullness of time, come to see that they too can live together in peace.

Your brother bishop and humble servant,

+rowan
bishop of playing

Response to the Comment From Bishop of Birkenhead, England

2008-09-29T15:44:00.003-04:00

The original missive from Bishop Keith:

I was privileged to meet +Bob at the Lambeth Conference and I can’t understand why those also present have now acted against him in this way. To have split the Communion by ignoring all the pleas not to innovate against the clearly expressed mind of the Communion and then to pretend that it is +Bob who has in some way departed form the faith is an example of profound self deception. To have proceeded in this way seems to myself, who first met TEC Bishops at Lambeth, that for all the fine words, a deeper force is driving this which is immune to the calls for unity and truth. TEC asked for diversity to be respected. Where is even elementary respect for the diversity of gospel orthodoxy represented by +Bob and the diocese of Pittsburgh? If the diocese was still undecided as to how to proceed in relation to TEC, this action would surely move them to leave. TEC may want to uphold its own distorted sense of its own polity. It should not now be surprised if the rest of the Anglican Communion now moves to assert its polity, without TEC.

Keith Sinclair
Bishop of Birkenhead, England

Dear Keith, Is it okay if I come over and take some of your churches that are sympathetic to a non-literal reading of scripture? I know you probably have some people who disagree with you. Okay if they leave, as you aren't listening to them? Also, have you actually read why TEC "acted against" ex-Bishop Duncan?

Yours in Christ,
Bishop Clumber

Two Words to Bishop Clumber from Catholic Theologian FranIAm

2008-09-29T15:05:00.001-04:00

World renowned Catholic theologian, FranIAm, was asked today what is her recommendation to the Diocese of Pittsburgh as they consider the resolution to separate from The Episcopal Church and join the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. FranIAm answered with two short words: "Belly rub?"

Four Words to Pittsburgh from Bishop Clumber

2008-09-29T11:46:00.004-04:00

World renowned Anglican canine, the Rev. Dogster Clumber, was asked today what is his recommendation to the Diocese of Pittsburgh as they consider the resolution to separate from The Episcopal Church and join the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. Dr. Clumber answered with four short words: "Stay if you want."

He followed it up with four more short words "Leave keys under mat.".

And then he followed up with a four word Biblical citation "Thou shalt not steal".

And he concluded with three words "What's for lunch?"

thomas b. woodward said...

2008-09-26T12:26:00.000-04:00

I write in support of Bishop Clumber. As a friend of Bob Duncan from the time he followed me as Episcopal Chaplain at the University of North Carolina, I have grieved his slide into theological and ethical stupidity. I have asked him publicly to affirm his own integrity by leaving the Episcopal Church without forcing deposition and without taking property which does not belong to him. How do you keep receiving a paycheck from an institution you are dragging through the dirt of your own making?

Group of Over 7000 Congregations Offer Support

2008-09-23T13:54:00.004-04:00

Over 7000 Episcopal Congregations greet the news of the deposition of Bishop Bob Duncan with praise and gladness. It is indeed a wonderful day when such a supposedly godly Christian leader as Bishop Duncan is treated as he should be, after years of failure to build up the Episcopal Church in America, seeking over and over again to pull it in schismatic directions. His failure to follow his own pledge to the Episcopal Church sealed his fate. Sadly, even given the chance to turn back, he failed to co-operate, forcing The Episcopal Church to depose him.

For at least five years, Bishop Bob Duncan’s leadership and ego have given encouragement and hope to supposedly "orthodox" Anglicans throughout the United States, Canada, and many other places around the world, and his desire to separate from the Episcopal Church has at last been given to him.

All the remaining 7000 congregations give their wholehearted support for Bishop Clumber as he leads us forward in creating a new Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, not founded on ego and boasting, but on canine-like obedience and service in the building up of the true kingdom of God.. We also extend our prayers and love to Bishop Clumber and his wife, Mrs. Clumber, during this time of transition. As we all know, in Jesus the battle is already won. “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:57 ESV)

On behalf of the 7000 congregations remaining in the Episcopal Church, representing ~~thousands~~ millions of faithful Episcopalians in the United States,

(too many names to list)

The Episcopal Church is made up of between two and three million worshipers in about 7500 congregations across the United States and related dioceses outside the US. They are are working together in mission and ministry in order to build up the Kingdom of God.

Fort Worth People Applaud "Deposition"

2008-09-23T10:40:00.003-04:00

Many of the finest and most faithful Episcopalians in the Diocese of Fort Worth applaud the deposition by the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church of the Bishop of Pittsburgh, Robert William Duncan. The constitutional and legal interpretations of the Presiding Bishop and the use of the canons in ways that were intended resulted in the deposition of the former Bishop of Pittsburgh, Booby Duncan after a long, painful, and fair period of judgement as to his true intents and purposes.

Bishop Duncan was a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, who slipped off the road and sought personal power and judgement rather than the path of compassion and humility of Jesus Christ We mourn his wanting to go his own way, separate from The Episcopal Church, but affirm that we have a new Episcopal Bishop in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Bishop Clumber. We don't really care much at all about Bishop Duncan’s admission to the College of Bishops of the Southern Cone, and we reaffirm our commitment to work with Bishop Clumber as the bishop in good standing in the Communion. We do, however, wish that he would leave the keys under the mat on his way out, and perhaps, since he is in such violent disagreement with the Episcopal Church, refrain from taking any monies from either the Diocesan funds or retirement funds, since they are surely tied up tightly in his view of the brokenness of the Episcopal Church.

Overwhelming Response!

2008-09-22T13:08:00.001-04:00

Over the past several days, well over a hundred comments of support for Bishop Clumber have been directed to this website alone. The compilation of these sentiments currently weighs in at nearly thirty pages of text. Thank you for willingness to voice your prayerful concern, and know that Bishop Clumber will continue to be forwarded all of your well-wishes.

On the other hand, the "other" support web site boasts of a similar pile of Malarkey!

I think this is a letter of support for +Clumber

2008-09-22T09:15:00.001-04:00

(Original Letter Here)

On pride and priests

Pittsburgh Episcopalians who vote to secede from the national church will likely regret it, argues communicant CONROY D. GUYER
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh will vote Oct. 4 on whether to secede from the Episcopal Church -- the U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion -- and realign with a more theologically conservative Anglican province in South America. Robert Duncan, the bishop of the Pittsburgh diocese until he was removed Thursday by the Episcopal House of Bishops, has led this movement, both in Pittsburgh and nationally.

Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, believed that the desire for power is the central motivation of the human personality. Later this month, the T.S. Eliot play, "Murder in the Cathedral," will be performed at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Downtown Pittsburgh.

It should be a cautionary tale for the laity and the clergy who will soon vote about whether the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh should remain in the Episcopal Church.

"Murder in the Cathedral" is a play about a 12th century archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, who has his own agenda. Becket's quest for power takes the form of spiritual pride, which becomes his tragic flaw. This tragic flaw is objectified in Becket's fantasies of martyrdom, with its concomitant desire for power. When the Tempter comes to Becket, the Tempter speaks Becket's own thoughts to him

... But think, Thomas ... of glory after death

... Think of pilgrims, standing in line

Before the glittering jeweled shrine ...

And think of your enemies in another place

Power in the form of moral purity does not exist anywhere in this world. There are always the subtexts, the unarticulated desires, the tacit motivations.

While the hidden agenda may remain unclear, one does have an understanding about how an administrator should exercise his power in office. Should an administrator exercise his power in the best interests of his institution, or undermine it? If an administrator feels that an institution no longer reflects his values, should he not resign from it? Does an administrator in the office of a bishop have the right to take a diocese out of its parent organization and give its assets of $43 million to another diocese -- maybe one of his own devising or perhaps one on another continent?

(No wonder Mr. Duncan calls ours a diocese of miraculous expectation! Where is the missionary grace? A slogan can cover a vacuum.)

When power is misused, it taints the hopes of those who are no longer with us and who have given money so that the structures and the doctrines of the Episcopal church will be here for future generations. The purpose for which these people have given money is thwarted and their trust is broken. Is this not a genuine ethical problem? Furthermore, are not the higher ethical values of religion sadly compromised in schism? Who has ever read a book about a church schism and concluded that this was the shining hour of faith?

Then too one does question bishops and priests who try to gain power among their flocks like demagogues by promulgating simple, single-issue concepts like their objection to the ordination of women or their disapproval of homosexual practices. What gender can give more compassion to ministry than womankind? Do homosexual desires disappear when they are confronted by the screeds of a preacher or a bishop in a medieval hat? Do these same clergy preach so ardently against the turpitudes of heterosexuals?

An intelligent church needs clergy who display the same understanding of the human mind -- its desires and its mechanisms -- as a psychotherapist. Science has done more than religion to liberate moderns from the superstitions of the past. Science has given us understanding through description. Intelligent religion can give additional meaning to that description.

Additionally, Jesus himself never spoke about the subject of homosexuality as far as we know. Many clergy have said more about homosexuality in Jesus' name than Jesus himself ever did.

A third point that needs remembering is that the new diocese will not be a utopia -- a place of absolute moral purity. It will be administered by people who, like Archbishop Becket, "follow too much the devices and the desires of their own hearts." Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr wrote, "The tragedy of man is that he can conceive self-perfection, but he cannot achieve it."

Sadly, many lunatic acts have been committed by religious people in history -- acts that many sincere people lived to regret. Do we learn from history? How quickly the reign of Oliver Cromwell in England lost its purity, and some in New England who supported the witch trials later came to regret their participation in them.

An antidote to mad acts is clarity of thought. One might find a way toward lucid thought if one applies the formula of the English poet, William Wordsworth, to his decision-making process. Wordsworth felt that the genesis of a good poem began in an intense emotional experience, which Wordsworth described as "the spontaneous overflow of emotions." If that intense emotional experience is to find expression in the well-ordered world of art, the poet then must engage in quiet reflection. Wordsworth called this part of the artistic process, "... the recollection in tranquility."

The clergy and the laity of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh are going to make a momentous decision soon that will affect all of us in a good or a bad way for decades to come. Power will be exercised in the process, with its far-reaching effects. The desire for power for some is a subtext in this drama. Some players in this drama will be looking for rewards more palpable than spiritual.

The body of Christ will be torn. The promise of purity will be corrupted by time, as it casts its shadows. Decisions made in the heat of emotions devoid of reason will lead to madness, and madness leads to regret.

My hope is that the laity and the clergy of the Pittsburgh Diocese of the Episcopal Church will exercise their faculty of "reflection in tranquility" in the days to come.

Conroy D. Guyer is retired from the English faculty at Fox Chapel Area High School and is a communicant of Calvary Episcopal Church in East Liberty (conroy15232@gmail.com). He lives in Greensburg.
First published on September 21, 2008 at 12:00 am

The Rev. Dr. Christian Troll Opines

2008-09-21T21:02:00.000-04:00

The Foremost Biblical Scholar of Our Times™, The Rev. Dr. Christian Troll, writes

Evangelical Eric has just informed me that the Methodists are packing in preparation for some sort of retreat, so I'm concerned St. Onuphrius' might again be without internet access for a few days until the forsaken Amalekites running our internet service provider finally choose to provide us with an internet service.

Consequently I'd like to make a quick announcement of http://support-clumber.blogspot.com/ - an important site on which Bible-believing Christians around the world can express their support for the One, True and Righteouss Bishop of Pittsburgh: His Grace the Right Reverend Ozzie Clumber.

Like the previous incumbent he is prone to slobbering when excited, but unlike little Bobby the effluvia is in no way unpleasant, and according to folk-legend even mildly antiseptic. What's more I can categorically state Bishop Clumber has never attempted to steal any church property. So please, my dear Sinners, let's all give him our support.

Sydney Weighs In

2008-09-21T07:02:00.000-04:00

Here in Sydney we rejoice in the news of +Clumber's elevation. At last the good people of Pittsburgh can rest easy knowing that they will be able to faithfully follow the Lord with +Clumber on, oops I mean in the lead. Well done +Clumber!

Boaz

Blessing Upon Blessing

2008-09-20T21:17:00.000-04:00

Bishop Clumber,

Although we would have preferred a feline bishop, we want to congratulate you and say that if a canine were to be appointed, indeed you are the top dog! Finally, the Diocese of Pittsburgh is in good paws. We felines will be happy to serve in whatever capacity we are needed. Our desire is to see the diocese get back on all fours.

Wishing you the best with our blessing,
Whiteycat and all the cats of our household

Good One from JohnieB

2008-09-20T21:16:00.000-04:00

Godde be praised! There is now a bishop in Pittsburgh faithful to the Body of Christ. Though The Anchorite Miz Scarlett is obedient to + Maya Pavlova (if anyone but Godde), she joins with me in prayerful support for +Clumber's ministry to those of his diocese: human and otherwise.

Grace and peace be to y'all

JohnieB

Jesus Backs Up +Clumber by Live Appearance (with Snake Handling!)

2008-09-20T17:29:00.000-04:00

A big shout out to Brother Clumber for taking up the mantle of leadership in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh!

signed,
Jesus

It's beginning to Snowball!

2008-09-20T17:25:00.000-04:00

Kirkepiscatoid also proudly supports +Clumber as a bishop with a good nose for God’s truth.

Little Eddie adds that he would also like to be the Canon of Kirksville under +Clumber’s reign, and also supports the ordination of Señorita Chompita Wiggletail as our missionary priest in Panama. Mr. Boomer has requested being the Curate of the Shrine of St. Laika.

Central New York Sends its Votes

2008-09-20T17:23:00.000-04:00

Dear Bishop Clumber,

I cannot begin to find the words to express my heartfelt thanks and support for your ministry to all faithful Episcopalians in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. We here in the land of the Mohawk and Sleepy Hollow have relatives and friends in our sister state of Pennsylvania who know and love you. They tell us that you are loyal, kind, steady and faithful. Pittsburgh could not have a better servant for its people (and all other godly creatures).

I understand that when you received the call from ++Katharine, you not only blinked once, but several times (knowing that it helps to get specks out of the eyes). Then you curled up in front of the hearth, had a nice long dog nap, and finally awoke, refreshed and ready to serve.

I've also heard that you take the time to roll in the grass and sniff the flowers tumble with the grandpups. I expect that, along with your daily naps, will keep you the kind of sensible bishop Pittsburgh has needed for so long -- one who will stick close to home, mind your flock, and not go rocketing off to the Southern Cone or outer galaxies.

Thank you so much for your willingness to serve. The Church and the Diocese of Pittsburgh really need you.

Sincerely,

Loyal Episcopalian from Central New York

Albany Speaks, People Listen!

2008-09-20T15:12:00.000-04:00

(From FranIAM)

This is the Catholics For Clumber chapter of upstate New York, writing to offer support for a Bishop that is wise, compassionate, intuitive, loving, merciful and faithful - Bishop Clumber!

--
"We are over the falls and into new waters." -Thomas Merton

Louisiana Weighs In

2008-09-20T15:11:00.001-04:00

Dear Bishop Clumber,

I'm writing to express my admiration and support for you as the One True Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. You are the best. There's no doubt in my mind that your rightful place is on the throne of the See of Pittsburgh.

I posted a link to your website on my humble blog. It's the least I could do.

Respectfully,

Grandmère Mimi

A Message of Support from the Presiding Bishop

2008-09-20T13:58:00.000-04:00

My Dearest Bishop Clumber,

It was with a heavy heart that the House of Bishops tossed the former Bishop of Pittsburgh out on his ear, and many have openly questioned my judgement in naming you as Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, I stand by my decision to replace the last old dog with a new old dog. Your fidelity to the message of Christ makes me an enormous fan of canine and feline bishops, and we would do well to continue "this new thing" and replace, as needed, others within The Episcopal Church who have shown more of a willingness to follow their egos and not their Lord.

Yours in Christ,
Katharine

A Statement from Archbishop Mouneer Anis of Jerusalem and the Middle East

2008-09-20T13:52:00.000-04:00

From Archbishop Mouneer Anis:

My Dear Bishop Clumber,

Blah blah blah. You're a dog? A dog is a bishop? What are the Americans thinking? Please tell me this is a joke.

Yours in Christ,

+Mouneer Egypt

Archbishop Kolini Offers Support

2008-09-20T13:51:00.000-04:00

From Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda:

17 September 2008

Good on you, clumber!

Most Reverend Emmanuel Kolini
Archbishop of the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda