Controversial Episcopal Priest Is Defrocked

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 has been defrocked by the bishop of Pennsylvania.

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.

David Moyer, the former priest and pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Philadelphia, is a leader of Forward in Faith, a movement that advocates more conservative positions. The group sought to make him a bishop for more conservative congregations within the church.

Bishop Charles E. Bennison Jr., who ordered Moyer’s dismissal, said it was not Moyer’s beliefs but his rejection of the bishop’s authority that prompted the move.