The Episcopal House of Bishops voted today to remove Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh from the diocese and from any clergy role in the Episcopal Church.

The move came as the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh prepares for an Oct. 4 vote on whether to secede from the Episcopal Church and realign with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone in South America.

Immediately after the vote in Salt Lake City, Bishop Duncan was credentialed and received by the Province of the Southern Cone, where he now will have the title of bishop-at-large.

The Diocese of Pittsburgh will be temporarily governed by its Standing Committee, which is largely supportive of Bishop Duncan's policies and is expected to continue the move for secession on Oct. 4.