Some parishes in the Diocese of Pennsylvania have made it known that their diocesan, the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, is "unwelcome" to make pastoral visitations. The parishes formerly were visited by more conservative bishops from outside the diocese through an arrangement known as the "Parsons' Agreement," made with retired Bishop Allen Lyman Bartlett, Jr. Retired Bishop Donald Parsons visited the parishes with Bishop Bartlett's permission.

The Rev. David A. Ousley, rector of St. James-the-Less Church, Philadelphia, said he had frequent discussions with Bishop Bennison and was "prepared not to welcome" him at a planned visit Sept. 27. Fr. Ousley said that a time for the visit had never been arranged. He said that Bishop Bennison told him his "position is unacceptable."

Fr. Ousley received a fax from Bishop Bennison, dated Sept. 22, in which the bishop said he decided not to visit the church because the canons call for a visitation every three years and he had been bishop only a few months. Bishop Bennison wrote that Fr. Ousley was in violation of several canons but he did not indicate he was planning any action.

The Rev. Philip Lyman, rector of St. John's, Huntington Valley, said "our position is non-reception when a bishop has promulgated false teachings and been disobedient to scripture and his ordination vows." Fr. Lyman has not talked with Bishop Bennison regarding his visit, on the calendar for Dec. 20, but, he said, "I don't see anything changing. Our policy is plain to everybody. We stand on scripture and, apparently, 82 percent of the Anglican Communion agrees with us."

Bishop Bennison could not be reached for comment.