Bells rang and heavy oak doors were opened wide Wednesday as an exiled Petaluma Episcopal congregation made an emotional return to the church it lost 2½ years ago in a dispute with a breakaway group that objected to gay ordination.
More than 100 people crowded into St. John’s Episcopal Church to hear their first service there since a majority of members had split from the diocese in late 2006, retaining the property and aligning with an international Anglican church.
On Wednesday, parishioners reclaimed the 118-year-old building and all assets under the terms of a settlement this summer prompted by a recent state Supreme Court ruling. For some, it was a triumphant and tearful homecoming.
“I can’t stop weeping,” said Geri Olson as she stepped outside after the service. “It’s such a beautiful feeling to have a home.”
The 200-member St. John’s Anglican congregation held its final services in the building on Sunday and turned over keys to the building and church offices Wednesday.
Their administrator, Mike McIntosh, said the congregation would meet at the Petaluma Community Center on North McDowell Boulevard until a permanent location is found.
“We realize that from our perspective, the Lord has a plan for us, and he’s calling us to another place,” McIntosh said. “This is our calling, and we accept it. It’s not about anything else besides moving on.”
More here-
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090701/ARTICLES/907019846/1350?Title=Episcopalians-return-to-Petaluma-church
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