Friday, October 14, 2011

Episcopal future: S.C. bishop accused of abandoning church; clergy gather to discuss allegations, investigation


From Charleston-

The conservative Diocese of South Carolina said Wednesday that its bishop, Mark Lawrence, is being accused of abandoning the Episcopal Church in a process that doesn't allow him to know his accusers.

But the president of a national church board looking into the matter says those names will be made known to him if the panel decides there is abandonment.

Lawrence was recently contacted by the church's Disciplinary Board for Bishops. He was told that, based on information from churchgoers in the diocese, it is investigating whether he has abandoned the doctrine, discipline and worship of the church.

The Diocese of South Carolina has distanced itself from the national Episcopal Church in part because of the national body's stance on ordaining gay bishops and sanctioning same-sex unions.

Bishop Dorsey Henderson, president of the disciplinary board, said Wednesday that if the panel decides there is abandonment, Lawrence will be given the names of those who raised the issue.


Read more:

http://www.thetandd.com/lifestyles/faith-and-values/article_a46b3bd8-f5ea-11e0-b216-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1akrHiXwp

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