PHILADELPHIA — An Episcopal priest who contends that the church has become too liberal on issues such as the ordination of women and recognition of same-sex unions vowed to defy a bishop's order defrocking him.
The Rev. David Moyer is the North American president 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 of Pennsylvania, 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. I did everything I knew to make it otherwise," Bennison said Thursday.
Moyer said he would continue to preach, starting with a midday Mass today at Pittsburgh's Trinity Cathedral. He said Bishop Robert Duncan of the Diocese of Pittsburgh invited him.