ECUMENICAL LEADERS WELCOME APPOINTMENT OF NEW BISHOP

The Rev. Dr. Donald B. Green, Executive Director of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania speaking on behalf of the 24 bishops and church executives (Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant) who are members of Christian Associates issued the following statement.

The Council of Bishops and Judicatory Executives of Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania rejoices with the people of the Pittsburgh Diocese in the appointment by Pope Benedict XVI of the Most Rev. David A. Zubik as the twelfth Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. Bishop Zubik has shared the passion for ecumenism of his mentor bishops of this diocese. He has proven to be a competent priest and caring colleague to his peers both Catholic and from other denominations when he served in various capacities in the Pittsburgh Diocese. His return to his native diocese after a sojourn in Green Bay, WI is welcome news to those who share with him the responsibility for promoting the Christian Faith and the care of faithful believers throughout this region. We eagerly look forward to Bishop Zubik joining his ecumenical colleagues at the Council table as we continue to be “a unifying voice in the name of Jesus Christ for the mission of the Gospel and the wholeness of communities.”

We also join the people of the Pittsburgh Diocese in expressing our gratitude and affection for Auxiliary Bishop Paul J. Bradley. During his tenure as interim administrator of the Diocese, Bishop Bradley has proven to be a faithful leader, a trusted colleague to his priests, and bishop who treated his ecumenical colleagues with deep respect. A true servant of the Church, we are confident that he will continue to be supportive colleague to Bishop Zubik or should the Holy Father deem appropriate as the leader of another diocese as their Ordinary. Thank you, Bishop Bradley for your leadership and friendship.