Fresno Episcopal church to build labyrinth

From San Joaquin-

Holy Family Episcopal Church – Fresno's only remaining Episcopal congregation – has cleared the way to build a community labyrinth.

Construction crews demolished the church-owned, 2,200-square-foot home in front of the church last week. The home had been used for church services, offices and community events over the years. Now the area, at 1135 E. Alluvial Ave., will be turned into a labyrinth, which has been a church goal for some time.

"It's a very meditative and contemplative tool – and can be used by people of all faiths and walks of life," says the church's pastor, the Rev. Michele Racusin, adding that the church hopes to complete the labyrinth by Easter, which is April 8. "That's what the Episcopal Church is all about."

In 2007, three Episcopal congregations in Fresno – St. Columba, St. James' Cathedral and St. Mary's – joined a Diocese of San Joaquin movement out of the U.S. Episcopal Church over debate about same-sex blessings, consecration of a partnered gay priest and interpretation of the Bible over these issues. St. Columba, St. James' Cathedral and St. Mary's are now part of the Anglican Diocese of San Joaquin. Holy Family Episcopal Church remained an Episcopal congregation.

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http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/11/04/2603089/fresno-episcopal-church-to-build.html#ixzz1crqKKF3v