Realigning clergy are charged with abandonment of communion

From Epsicopal News Service

The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin determined October 17 that 16 deacons and 36 priests who opted to realign with the Southern Cone have abandoned the communion of the Episcopal Church.

The decision paves the way for Bishop Jerry Lamb to inhibit the 52 clergy unless they recant and return to the Episcopal Church (TEC) within six months. In issuing its ruling, the committee said the clergy violated church constitution and canons both by supporting efforts to remove the Central California Valley diocese from TEC and by repudiating the ecclesiastical authority of TEC and the continuing diocese.

“It’s in the bishop’s hands,” said Nancy Key, diocesan communications director, on Friday. Inhibition would mean the clergy would not be allowed to function as Episcopal priests or deacons, or be employed by an Episcopal congregation. Clergy who do not recant will be removed from the ministry of the Episcopal Church.

“This action does not imply a moral judgment of an individual clergy person,” Lamb said Friday. “It speaks only about the person's relationship to the Episcopal Church. I recognize that these people may have many wonderful gifts for ministry, and perhaps these talents could be used in another Christian denomination.”

http://www.episcopal-life.org/81803_101691_ENG_HTM.htm