Episcopalians Contemplate Divided Future
Conservative Bishops Reject Authority of Incoming Leader, in Part for Gay Stance
By Matt Curry
Associated Press
Saturday, August 26, 2006; Page B07
....Dallas Bishop James M. Stanton is among the leaders of seven Episcopal dioceses who have rejected the authority of the denomination's incoming national leader, Nevada Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, as the debate over the Bible and same-sex relationships tears at the church.
The move, prompted partly by Jefferts Schori's support for gay relationships, falls just short of a complete break. But in October, Dallas area Episcopalians will meet to more fully consider their future in the denomination.
The six other dissenting dioceses -- Central Florida; Fort Worth; Fresno, Calif.; Pittsburgh; Springfield, Ill.; and South Carolina -- are having similar internal debates. And though the Diocese of Dallas is overwhelmingly conservative, anxiety about what's ahead is apparent throughout its 77 churches.
Christ Church in Plano, one of the largest Episcopal parishes in the country with about 2,200 worshipers each weekend, is not waiting for the fall convention; it has already announced plans to leave the Episcopal Church.
Splitting from the national leaders would create spiritual orphans across the region -- moderates and liberals who may have to leave the churches where they worshiped for years....
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/25/AR2006082501122.html
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
