PHILADELPHIA - An Episcopal priest who says the church has become too liberal on issues such as the ordination of women and recognition of same-sex unions was defrocked Thursday by the bishop of Pennsylvania.
The Rev. David Moyer is a leader of Forward in Faith, a movement that sought to make him a bishop for more conservative congregations within the church.
Bishop Charles E. Bennison Jr., leader of the four-county diocese, said it was not Moyer's beliefs but his rejection of the bishop's authority that prompted his dismissal from the ministry.
"I find it grievous for him, and for his family," Bennison said. "I did everything I knew to make it otherwise."
Moyer, pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd, said he considers the order invalid and will continue to preach.
"I always had hoped that Bishop Bennison would affirm the Christian faith, as I asked him to for his own good and for reconciliation, and he refused to do that," Moyer said.
The conservative-liberal split between Moyer and Bennison also divides U.S. bishops and the worldwide Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church is the American branch.
While rejected by Bennison, Bishop Robert Duncan of the Diocese of Pittsburgh invited Moyer to celebrate Mass Friday at Pittsburgh's Trinity Cathedral. Another 22 conservative Episcopal bishops in 10 states declared that Moyer's deposition is invalid under church law, and they support Duncan's decision to receive him as a priest in good standing.
Moyer also said Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, the world Anglican leader, communicated with Duncan via e-mail concerning on the case, and that Carey "believes me to be in good standing with him." Officials at the archbishop's office in England did not return a call seeking comment.
Moyer said he also had received support from the Archbishop of Central Africa, Bernard Malango, who was staying at his home.
Moyer's attorney, John H. Lewis Jr., challenged the bishop's order with a lawsuit filed Thursday afternoon accusing Bennison of fraud, misrepresentation, collusion and denial of due process.
Bennison supports the ordination of women and of homosexuals who are in committed relationships.
Nationally, the Episcopal Church allows the ordination of women. It officially opposes same-sex relations, but in practice it brings no sanctions against those who ordain actively homosexual clergy or conduct same-sex unions.