Erie County Voters Guide

Voter's Guide - Erie County

Compiled by the Erie Gay/Straight Alliance

The Erie Gay/Straight Alliance sent out questionnaires to candidates in Erie County races. This article contains the candidates' responses to these questions.

Candidates names appear in the order in which their responses were received.

The Erie Gay/Straight Alliance can be contacted at phobbs101@aol.com

Erie County Executive

Not responding: Thomas P Loftus (D), Art Oligeri (R)

1. Please describe your interaction with the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender community. If elected how would you support and participate in LGBT based events and organizations?

Mark A Divecchio (D): Would support events.

Dale R McBrier (R): Other than friends, I have no relationships to date with any organization.

2. Do you support the appointment of competent LGBT people to the staff of public officials?

Mark A Divecchio (D): Yes.

Dale R McBrier (R): If they are qualified and the best candidate possible then I see no distinction based upon sexual preference.

3. Will your office human relations policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity?

Mark A Divecchio (D): Yes!

Dale R McBrier (R): Yes!

4. What steps will you take to provide legal protection for same sex couples and their families?

Mark A Divecchio (D): Have taken steps through the Human Relations Commission.

Dale R McBrier (R): The same afforded all citizenry under the Constitution!

5. What would you do to support safe schools that are free of harassment and violence against sexual minority youth?

Mark A Divecchio (D): County has Sheriff Deputies and Probation Officers -- need to train them on specific non-discrimination practices

Dale R McBrier (R): I support any education program designed to teach young people the value and appreciation of all our people.

6. How would you support aggressive investigation, prosecution and punishment of crimes committed against people because of their perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity? What would you do to encourage strong tracking and reporting of hate crimes?

Mark A Divecchio (D): Hate crimes should be treated with same respect as any other crime.

Dale R McBrier (R): I support strong tracking and reporting of hate crimes. Hate crimes are infective and need to be addressed aggressively. Discrimination of all kinds needs to be fought! I support the first sentence - simply said, I will work to ensure that all forms of sexual discrimination disappear from our culture.

7. How will you support the rights of transgender people and protect their right to legally change gender status, ex. driver's license, passport?

Mark A Divecchio (D): Justice serves the Human Relations Commission.

Dale R McBrier (R): It should be their choice.

8. Do you support the rights of LGBT people to the following:

A. Legal recognition of gay relationships?

B. Second-parent adoption?

C. Protection from workplace discrimination?

D. Health/insurance benefits for the partners of GLBT city/municipal employees.

Mark A Divecchio (D): a. yes, b. yes if all parties are agreed, c. absolutely, d. only if union is legalized.

Dale R McBrier (R): A) Yes, but there needs to be a legally binding relationship. B) Yes, based on stable household standards. C) Yes. D) Yes - with legally binding relationships.

Erie County Council District 2

Not responding: Joe Giles (D)

1. Please describe your interaction with the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender community. If elected how would you support and participate in LGBT based events and organizations?

Vicki L Taylor (R): I have several close gay friends, co-workers and associates. I pledge that as a county council person I would attend appropriate events to help draw attention to their many legitimate concerns.

2. Do you support the appointment of competent LGBT people to the staff of public officials?

Vicki L Taylor (R): Yes. Absolutely. What is important is the competence of a staff member and not his or her sexual preference. I am opposed to discrimination in all forms.

3. Will your office human relations policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity?

Vicki L Taylor (R): Yes.

4. What steps will you take to provide legal protection for same sex couples and their families?

Vicki L Taylor (R): County council has limited power to aid in this effort, however, I will support and fund enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and hate crime provisions of state law.

5. What would you do to support safe schools that are free of harassment and violence against sexual minority youth?

Vicki L Taylor (R): This subject matter is outside the jurisdiction of County Council. I would work to see that the District Attorney has the funding and support for prosecution of perpetrators.

Vicki L Taylor (R): I will work to make sure that the District Attorney's office has the funds to enforce hate crime laws and prosecute perpetrators. I am not knowledgeable at this time on what can be done to track and report hate crimes. I will look to your organization and other similar organizations for information.

7. How will you support the rights of transgender people and protect their right to legally change gender status, ex. driver's license, passport?

Vicki L Taylor (R): This issue also appears to be outside the jurisdiction of county council. However, I am opposed to all forms of discrimination. I will maintain an open door to all Erie groups concerned about discrimination and if there is something that County Council can do I will work with those groups to get it done.

8. Do you support the rights of LGBT people to the following:

A. Legal recognition of gay relationships?

B. Second-parent adoption?

C. Protection from workplace discrimination?

D. Health/insurance benefits for the partners of GLBT city/municipal employees.

Vicki L Taylor (R): This is dependent upon the availability of funding sources and status of labor negotiations. I am not aware of the costs involved and would have to study this issue thoroughly before taking a public position.

Erie County Council District 4

Not responding: Dale DeCecco (D), William D Buseck (R)

1. Please describe your interaction with the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender community. If elected how would you support and participate in LGBT based events and organizations?

Gary P Zielonis (D): I have not had any interaction in the past. I would be willing to meet anyone and discuss issues of concern to the group. I am not closed-minded on social issues regarding the LGBT community and would entertain any education offered.

Ronald Whitey Cleaver (D): Won't participate _ Would consider support based on the event.

2. Do you support the appointment of competent LGBT people to the staff of public officials?

Gary P Zielonis (D): I support the appointment of competent people, period. The fact that they were LGBT would not be a deciding factor either way.

Ronald Whitey Cleaver (D): Yes (Cleaver underlined the word "competent" in the question)

3. Will your office human relations policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity?

Gary P Zielonis (D): My "office" would not directly hire anyone. My policy could only be that of County government in general. I do not favor discrimination of any kind, race, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.

Ronald Whitey Cleaver (D): Doesn't fall under the office I am running for.

4. What steps will you take to provide legal protection for same sex couples and their families?

Gary P Zielonis (D): County government in Pennsylvania does not control this subject area. I would encourage the state legislature to provide legal protections.

Ronald Whitey Cleaver (D): Whatever the law provides

5. What would you do to support safe schools that are free of harassment and violence against sexual minority youth?

Gary P Zielonis (D): I believe the Erie School District and Millcreek School District already provide a safe environment. Each has policies in place. If these policies prove not to be strong enough to protect sexual minority youth, I would encourage the respective Boards to strengthen their policies. I do not have any info on the Iroquois School District (Wesleyville Section of District 4.)

Ronald Whitey Cleaver (D): I would support the dists No Harassment and No Violence Policy

Gary P Zielonis (D): I believe all crimes should be investigated, prosecuted, and punished. The District Attorney, as an independently elected official, has control of prosecution, and judges determine punishment based on court proceedings. The appropriate police jurisdiction controls investigation. I could only urge them to do their sworn duties. Tracking would probably need state legislative action.

Ronald Whitey Cleaver (D): I support aggressive investigations in all crimes. I wouldn't rate them on a scale of 1-10.

7. How will you support the rights of transgender people and protect their right to legally change gender status, ex. driver's license, passport?

Gary P Zielonis (D): This is not a County function. Again, I would encourage the State and Federal legislators to provide such protections.

Ronald Whitey Cleaver (D): If the law allows it fine, I'll support it. The position I am running for has very little import for most of these questions.

8. Do you support the rights of LGBT people to the following:

A. Legal recognition of gay relationships?

B. Second-parent adoption?

C. Protection from workplace discrimination?

D. Health/insurance benefits for the partners of GLBT city/municipal employees.

Gary P Zielonis (D): A) Yes - as civil unions. B) Yes - I know the men involved in the Erie County Court case. C) Yes. D) Yes, but only in context of civil unions. If there is a small group political discussion venue, I would be willing to listen to any inputs and share my view in more detail.

Ronald Whitey Cleaver (D): C) I support 100%. A B D There are many unanswered questions concerning these 3. Before I could support or not support AB &D I would certainly need additional information then just a questionnaire.

Erie County Council District 6

Not responding: Michael Leyda (D), William McLellan (D), David E Mitchell (R)

Erie City Mayor

Not responding: Joe Sinnott (D), Barry Grossman (D), Jack Anderson (R)

1. Please describe your interaction with the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender community. If elected how would you support and participate in LGBT based events and organizations?

Tim Pearson (D): No interaction so far. I would support like any other event or organization.

Linda Bebko-Jones (D): My interaction with the Lesbian / Gay / Bisexual / Transgender community has been the same as with any other group in the community. As Mayor my participation in GLBT events would remain the same, i.e., I would continue to make every effort to attend any events as my schedule permits.

Mary Elaine Taylor (D): I visited The Zone just before Saint Patrick's Day in hope to solicit help with my campaign for Mayor of the City of Erie. I was treated very well and as always by the folks, and by those in attendance that night and given literature before my departure.

I have always had and have Lesbian, Gay and Transgender friends. They do so enhance my life and are true and loyal friends after all these years. I would love to have the lesbian, gay, transgender participation and help in this election. I know of the intelligent, competent, organizational and communicative skills this strong community does have. I love the exhibit of fashion and color skills displayed during social events.

Rick Filippi (D): I believe all people are part of our Erie community. I have always operated city hall in an inclusive manner. On a personal level, I have friends and associates from all walks of life, including the gay community. As your Mayor I have participated in LGBT events and would continue to do so.

Tim Zarnick (R): My interaction with the LGBT community has been limited. Several years ago my best friend was Gay but he moved out of state and has not kept in touch with me. I would be willing to support and participate in LGBT events if invited.

2. Do you support the appointment of competent LGBT people to the staff of public officials?

Tim Pearson (D): Competent people period

Linda Bebko-Jones (D): A person's sexual orientation and/or gender identity would never be a part of my decision on hiring, qualifications will always be the deciding factor.

Mary Elaine Taylor (D): If I were elected Mayor, I would employ LGBT in order to provide safe schools, free of harassment and prohibit discrimination and violence. I would encourage LGBT as part of my staff because of their strong tracking and reporting commitment to aggressive investigative skills.

Rick Filippi (D): Not only do I support the appointment of competent LGBT people, I have appointed such to the highest levels of my staff.

Tim Zarnick (R): I support any member of the community to the staff of public office if qualified.

3. Will your office human relations policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity?

Tim Pearson (D): If there is no policy in place I will have one written.

Linda Bebko-Jones (D): Definitely just as it will prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, gender or ethnic background.

Mary Elaine Taylor (D): See #2.

Rick Filippi (D): Yes, we currently prohibit discrimination based on sexual discrimination and will continue to do so.

Tim Zarnick (R): My HR Department will not discriminate on any basis.

4. What steps will you take to provide legal protection for same sex couples and their families?

Tim Pearson (D): Whatever Pennsylvania law provides. My influence would be in terms of benefits.

Linda Bebko-Jones (D): As a State Legislator I have supported and fought for legislation that would provide legal protection for same sex couples and I will continue to do so.

Mary Elaine Taylor (D): Ultimate goal, the right to choose; sexual orientation, and their families, and rights to employment status. My goal is to provide legal protection for LGBT, AND ALL HUMAN BEINGS. Gender Id's such as driver's license, passports are legal recognition needed for health/insurance, employment and second-parent adoptions, among other things.

Rick Filippi (D): As Mayor, the best way I can work to provide protection for same sex couples is to work through the Commonwealth. In particular, as a member of the PA League of Cities, I believe we can take a proactive role in lobbying for legislation that will provide the kind of protection that you deserve.

Tim Zarnick (R): Any legal protection would fall under the legislative branch (City Council) not the administrative branch (Mayor).

5. What would you do to support safe schools that are free of harassment and violence against sexual minority youth?

Tim Pearson (D): I have always supported safe schools. There are policies in place now to protect students.

Linda Bebko-Jones (D): The best way to prevent such harassment and violence is to insure that such behavior is punishable. While education on the issue can be helpful for some, the threat of punishment is the only real deterrent.

Mary Elaine Taylor (D): I would employ LGBT in order to provide safe schools, free of harassment and prohibit discrimination and violence.

Rick Filippi (D): Unlike some other cities in the Commonwealth the Mayor does not have oversight of the Erie school system. I do however believe that as Mayor I can call for change from our local school board and directors. Additionally, as I indicated above, I believe that lobbying Harrisburg for fundamental change and laws is critical.

Tim Zarnick (R): Any school related problems would fall under School Board jurisdiction, but I strongly support safe schools.

Tim Pearson (D): All crimes should be investigated, prosecuted, and punished. My influence would only be with the investigation side.

Linda Bebko-Jones (D): First let me make it clear that such crimes are indeed "hate crimes" and need to be treated as such. I have always supported the strong tracking and reporting of hate crimes and continue to support it.

Mary Elaine Taylor (D): See #2

Rick Filippi (D): Hate crimes are intolerable and unacceptable. I am very proud that violent crime is down by 30% since I took office in 2002. One of the reasons I appointed Erby Conley as Public Safety Director was because of his commitment to diversity in the police and fire departments, his commitment to diversity training with the men and women already in place and because of his experience with the State Police where many of these types of tracking systems are in place. We will continue to work to train and diversify our public safety offices and to monitor and track hate crimes.

Tim Zarnick (R): All crimes of any kind will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent. My administration will try to track and measure all crimes.

7. How will you support the rights of transgender people and protect their right to legally change gender status, ex. driver's license, passport?

Tim Pearson (D): I would not have any influence as mayor on these issues.

Linda Bebko-Jones (D): I have supported legislation to provide these protections in the past and will continue to do so.

Mary Elaine Taylor (D): See #4.

Rick Filippi (D): Again, as Mayor the best way I can help is to continue to lobby on a state and federal basis.

Tim Zarnick (R): This again is a legislative branch issue.

8. Do you support the rights of LGBT people to the following:

A. Legal recognition of gay relationships?

B. Second-parent adoption?

C. Protection from workplace discrimination?

D. Health/insurance benefits for the partners of GLBT city/municipal employees.

Tim Pearson (D): A) No B) Yes C) Yes D) No

Linda Bebko-Jones (D): A) Gay relationships should be afforded the same legals rights as heterosexual relationships. B) The criteria for adoption should always be the willingness and ability to care and love for a child and not sexual orientation. C) All workers should be protected from workplace discrimination regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. D) If a city or municipality offers health insurance to heterosexual couples who are not married then the same benefits should be offered to gay and lesbian couples.

Mary Elaine Taylor (D): See #4.

Rick Filippi (D): A) Absolutely B) Yes C) Yes D) Yes. Thank you for this opportunity to speak to your community about issues of importance. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with your committee or to speak at any of your functions. Again, thank you for taking an active role in our political process.

Tim Zarnick (R): A) I support recognition of Gay relationships. B) I support adoption rights to all good parents. C) I support protection from discrimination in any setting. D) I support benefits for any legal couples

Erie City Council

Not Responding: William Bill Watson (D), Ian Murray (D), Mark Aleks Aleksandrowicz (D), Carl Anderson (D), Curtis Jones, Jr (D), Jim Casella (D), James H Eichler (R)

Please see Additional Notes on James Thompson at the end.

1. Please describe your interaction with the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender community. If elected how would you support and participate in LGBT based events and organizations?

Jim Casey (D): Open minded without prejudice!

Rubye Jenkins-Husband (D): I will continue to attend any constituent activity as my schedule permits. In the past, I have been able to attend some of your public events

Michael Benedict (D): We have a lot of great organizations and coalitions in Erie, where there are people standing up for civil rights or human rights, that's where I'll be.

James N Thompson (D): No interaction didn't know about Pride Picnics will support.

2. Do you support the appointment of competent LGBT people to the staff of public officials?

Jim Casey (D): Certainly

Rubye Jenkins-Husband (D): I support the appointment of any qualified staff; however, the office of City Council does not have appointments=hired by the administration.

Michael Benedict (D): I support the appointment of any competent person to the staff of public officials.

James N Thompson (D): Yes -- no discrimination!

3. Will your office human relations policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity?

Jim Casey (D): Certainly! I have been Council's liaison to Personnel Office for 4 years.

Rubye Jenkins-Husband (D): I oppose discrimination

Michael Benedict (D): I will not tolerate discrimination of any kind.

James N Thompson (D): Yes.

4. What steps will you take to provide legal protection for same sex couples and their families?

Jim Casey (D): Steps of cooperation.

Rubye Jenkins-Husband (D): I support the office of Human Relations.

Michael Benedict (D): In our last labor contract, we (UE) negotiated with my employer (GE) for full benefits and rights for domestic partners. I believe this is something that City Hall should also extend to its employees.

James N Thompson (D): Difficult to answer because office has nothing to do with those decisions.

5. What would you do to support safe schools that are free of harassment and violence against sexual minority youth?

Jim Casey (D): I support safe schools for all students.

Rubye Jenkins-Husband (D): To support the programs such as Human Relations that will protect the rights of all people.

Michael Benedict (D): Kids can be mean. When someone finds a way to stop harassment and violence in children and young adults, they will probably win a Nobel Peace Prize. In the meanwhile, I think we all need to lead by example and hopefully children will learn from what they see us doing.

James N Thompson (D): Police Officers - no jurisdictions.

Jim Casey (D): If this required legislation, I would support aggressive and enforcement.

Rubye Jenkins-Husband (D): To have our state and federal laws protect the rights of all our citizens.

Michael Benedict (D): I would ask the district attorney if there is any help I could provide for the investigation. I would also consult the GLBT community on how I could support their needs. Basically, I would help in any way that I could.

James N Thompson (D): Political office has no jurisdiction -- would encourage.

7. How will you support the rights of transgender people and protect their right to legally change gender status, ex. driver's license, passport?

Jim Casey (D): If this is an issue of City Council, I believe in equal rights. The question of how, I don't know.

Rubye Jenkins-Husband (D): Review of our current state and federal laws.

Michael Benedict (D): My door will always be open to anyone in the GLBT community when it comes to issues of concern. I will stand beside you in fighting against discrimination and for equal human rights.

James N Thompson (D): Certainly.

8. Do you support the rights of LGBT people to the following:

A. Legal recognition of gay relationships?

B. Second-parent adoption?

C. Protection from workplace discrimination?

D. Health/insurance benefits for the partners of GLBT city/municipal employees.

Jim Casey (D): A) Yes. B) Yes C) Yes D) If allowed by law, Yes!

Rubye Jenkins-Husband (D): My belief is: when you provide for the equal rights of all people - you protect the rights of all classes of people.

Michael Benedict (D): A) Yes B) I don't know enough about it to answer the question C) Yes D) Yes

James N Thompson (D): a. yes, b. yes, c. yes, d. yes

Please note! After we went to press, we received the following from Lonny Gatlin (D): In response to your letter on behalf of the Erie Gay/Straight Alliance, please know that in the event I am elected to Erie City Council I will not support any legislative action or policy that includes or permits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

My sixteen years' professional careers has focused on leadership, administration, the provision of high quality oral health care, the commitment to community service and the diverse setting of community health centers, including the Community Health Net.

Millcreek Township Supervisor

1. Please describe your interaction with the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender community. If elected how would you support and participate in LGBT based events and organizations?

Brian McGrath (D): I am not aware of Millcreek ever being requested for support from the LGBT community. The township has been supportive of the Erie County HRC and has provided funding for its work.

Joy Greco (R): I know a number of persons of the LGBT community and have always been supportive in whatever way I can be. I have attended the summer picnics, a couple of rallies, and am always available by phone or email to hear your concerns.

2. Do you support the appointment of competent LGBT people to the staff of public officials?

Brian McGrath (D): I support the appointment of competent people to our staff, regardless of sexual orientation.

Joy Greco (R): Yes, I support the appointment of any competent, qualified people to these positions regardless of orientation or any other factor. The key words are "competent" and "qualified."

3. Will your office human relations policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity?

Brian McGrath (D): Absolutely.

Joy Greco (R): I single-handedly caused the rewrite of the Erie County Human Relations Commission policy to include the words "sexual orientation s a protected class. I was also responsible through communication and mediation for getting sufficient Council votes to override any possible veto by the County Executive, who was opposed to the inclusion.

4. What steps will you take to provide legal protection for same sex couples and their families?

Brian McGrath (D): As is the case with all Constitutional or legislative rights, Millcreek law enforcement will protect those rights.

Joy Greco (R): This is under the jurisdiction of the federal and state governments, but I would uphold any such legislation you are able to get through these government bodies. Everything takes time (women couldn't even vote when the Constitution was written), but keep fighting for your cause and you will eventually prevail.

5. What would you do to support safe schools that are free of harassment and violence against sexual minority youth?

Brian McGrath (D): I am not involved with school district policy, except as the answer to the previous question applies.

Joy Greco (R): Any type of harassment toward any individual, teacher, administrators or anyone else should be dealt with immediately and strongly by the school administrators and boards. They should have a policy in place to punish the harassers. This should apply to society in general, not just in schools.

Brian McGrath (D): Hate crimes disgust me. I would make certain that our police force aggressively investigate such crimes. I would work with state legislators to provide a statewide system for reporting and tracking hate crimes.

Joy Greco (R): This is a matter for law enforcement and the courts. However, I wholeheartedly support pursuing, investigating and prosecuting wrongdoers to the fullest extent of the law. If legislation needs to be stronger, then you should pursue those changes, and I will uphold the laws.

7. How will you support the rights of transgender people and protect their right to legally change gender status, ex. driver's license, passport?

Brian McGrath (D): See #4.

Joy Greco (R): I believe some people have inner feelings that a metamorphosis of their gender is the road to happiness and self esteem. Medical science can make this occur and, of course, they then have all the rights to change their driver's licenses, passports, bank records, deeds or whatever. Americans should learn to have compassion, civility and understanding toward all.

8. Do you support the rights of LGBT people to the following:

A. Legal recognition of gay relationships?

B. Second-parent adoption?

C. Protection from workplace discrimination?

D. Health/insurance benefits for the partners of GLBT city/municipal employees.

Brian McGrath (D): See #4. Local municipalities are responsible for helping to enforce such legislated rights, not to provide that legislation.

Joy Greco (R): A) Yes. B) Yes. C) Yes. D) Once there is legal recognition of gay relationships (see A above) I believe that this is a natural progression to allow benefits.

Final Comment: I can't promise anyone that I will agree with them on every single issue, but I promise to give every issue a fair hearing. I work for all the taxpayers and believe my main task in the County Council job I've held for the past 14 years and in the Supervisor job I am seeking is to be a "guardian" of the tax dollars, yours and mine. I respectfully ask for your endorsement and votes.

Additional information

Many of the candidates listed here have not held office before and some of the current/previous office holders may not have voted on GLBT-related legislation. However, Erie County passed a GLBT-inclusive Human Rights Ordinance in 2002 after a rather lengthy process. County Councilmember Mark Divecchio was an early champion of including equal protection under the law on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. County Council member Joe Giles also helped play a pivotal role.

On September 10, 2001, it appeared the board of the Human Relations Commission might withdraw the GLBT related language in the proposed ordinance, and Giles showed up at the meeting and encouraged them to include it and let County Council decide. At a County Council meeting on January 8, 2002, County Council members Joy Greco and Fiore Leone announced their intention to vote for the ordinance, which made clear that there was then a majority of votes on County Council in favor of the inclusive ordinance. Greco, Divecchio and Giles were all helpful behind the scenes, and in keeping our community informed.

The only County Council member to vote against the ordinance, David Mitchell, immediately asked County Executive Rick Schenker not to veto the legislation. (Schenker had long been opposed to including protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.)

When County Executive Rick Schenker effectively tried to kill the HRC by defunding it, Erie City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting continued funding on October 15, 2003. Councilmember Ian Murray said basically that this was a no-brainer and council should vote 7-0 and that he was behind it 100%. Councilmember Rubye Jenkins-Husband enthusiastically commented that she supported the resolution "200%" Also voting in favor were Jim Thompson and Jim Casey.

When County Council voted on funding the HRC, all council members (including Divecchio, Giles, Mitchell and Greco) voted in favor.

Additional Notes about James Thompson

After the print edition that contained the Voters Guide went to press, the following was brought to our attention:

The following material appeared in an article that ran in the Erie Times News on November 6, 2004:

Episcopal rifts not deep here

By Robin Cuneo
robin.cuneo@timesnews.com

The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh is sitting on a hornet's nest. In northwestern Pennsylvania, church members are perched somewhere closer to a fence.

At issue is continuing fallout over the consecration of an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire in 2003. The worldwide Anglican Communion recently rebuked the Episcopal Church USA for making V. Eugene Robinson a bishop, and Pittsburgh is one of a number of dioceses threatening to break away from the American church.

Clergy in this region were briefed Friday on the 92-page Windsor Report during the diocese's annual legislative meeting. The report chastises the American church for causing disunity with other parts of the communion.

Area Episcopalians willing to comment on the issue seem to be taking a wait-and-see approach to the report, while many in the Pittsburgh diocese, led by an ultraconservative bishop, are discussing options that include aligning with a conservative African diocese.

Any such talk is highly unlikely at this weekend's meeting of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Cathedral member Jim Thompson, a member of Erie City Council, is not among the majority.

He describes himself as a "traditionalist fundamentalist" — an Anglican first and an American Episcopalian second. If the American church is cut off from the worldwide Anglican Communion, he would be forced to leave the American church, he said.

His objection centers on the traditional Anglican practice of balancing Scripture, tradition and reason. "When you kick out two legs, it's hard to stand, and tradition and Scripture were both kicked out on this one," he said.

Openly gay V. Eugene Robinson should never have been approved as bishop of New Hampshire, Thompson said. He said the worldwide communion was correct in attempting to discipline the American church.

Scripture is "very clear," Thompson said, that one male and one female are "the completion of God's creation. Anything else is an aberration and sin," he said.

He emphasized he has no less Christian love for homosexuals than anyone else. He neither cares about nor wants to know about anyone's sexuality, because Christians are not in a position to judge others, he said.

To find out where you vote, or for other information, contact your county Voter Registration office.

Pennsylvania

Primary Election

Thanks

The Erie Gay/Straight Alliance would like to thank all of the candidates who responded to this questionnaire, and informing our community on where they stand on issues affecting us. We also thank Parris Hobbs and Bob for creating/editing the questionnaire, Tara and Heather for follow up phone calls and taking/transcribing responses and to Parris and Dave for voter registration volunteer efforts.