Episcopal Convention Expected To Be Calm

From Central Florida-

Things are calmer these days in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida.

Following the 2003 election of openly gay priest Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire, the largely conservative diocese was in turmoil, contemplating whether to join other dioceses in leaving the Episcopal Church to create a new, traditionalist Anglican church in America.

Under the leadership of Bishop John Howe, the diocese decided not to split from the Episcopal Church, as at least two other dioceses have done, and those in the Central Florida diocese who were advocating for the split mostly have gone. Both clergy and laypersons say the diocese is healthy and moving forward

The diocese will hold its annual convention Saturday at The Lakeland Center, and in an interview earlier this week, Howe predicted the meeting would be calm.

LOYAL OPPOSITION

However, delegates representing 88 churches, including 12 in Polk County, are expected to approve resolutions that will continue to distance the diocese from the policies of the Episcopal Church. Many in the diocese remain dissatisfied over what they say are the Episcopal Church's unorthodox positions on sexual morality and marriage, but the diocese is taking the role of loyal opposition.

Delegates will also hear a report from Howe about the status of churches that lost pastors and members in the wake of the controversy.

http://www.theledger.com/article/20100129/NEWS/1295010/1338