Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh (PEP), a member of the Via Media USA alliance, is a group of laypersons and clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh that represents the interests of moderate to liberal churches and individuals within the diocese. The group has essentially served as the center-left opposition to Bishop Robert Duncan.
Founded initially to oppose several resolutions at a diocesan convention, the group has grown in size and scope. Its members were instrumental in the formation of Via Media USA, and have often spoken for liberals throughout the church in the national media.
PEP has had several prominent members:
- Bishop Walter Righter, who was tried for heresy for ordaining a gay man.
- Joan R. Gundersen, current president, historian and author, president of Episcopal Women's History Project.
- Lionel Deimel, former president of PEP and an oft-quoted advocate for liberals in the church.
- Christopher Wilkins, vice president and facilitator of Via Media USA.
- The Rev. Harold Lewis, Rector of Calvary Church, Shadyside, which sued the Diocese of Pittsburgh for attempting to circumvent the Dennis Canon.
Famous quotes containing the words progressive and/or pittsburgh:
“I don’t have any doubts that there will be a place for progressive white people in this country in the future. I think the paranoia common among white people is very unfounded. I have always organized my life so that I could focus on political work. That’s all I want to do, and that’s all that makes me happy.”
—Hettie V., South African white anti-apartheid activist and feminist. As quoted in Lives of Courage, ch. 21, by Diana E. H. Russell (1989)
“The largest business in American handled by a woman is the Money Order Department of the Pittsburgh Post-office; Mary Steel has it in charge.”
—Lydia Hoyt Farmer (1842–1903)