"In light of the personal tragedy that Bishop and Mrs. MacBurney are facing, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori wishes to offer the bishop the opportunity to function liturgically in any services for his son if he desires to do so," said the Rev. Dr. Charles Robertson, canon to the Presiding Bishop.

The Presiding Bishop inhibited MacBurney on April 2 from exercising the functions of ordained ministry after the Episcopal Church's Title IV Review Committee issued a presentment against him related to charges that he led a confirmation service for a San Diego congregation in which a majority of members voted in 2006 to disaffiliate with the Episcopal Church. A trial is pending.

An April 18 memorial service for MacBurney's adopted son, Page Grubb, is scheduled for Our Savior Lutheran Church in Calamus, Iowa, with the funeral following on April 19 at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church in Long Grove, according to reports.