Local churches move forward after the split

From Bakersfield California-

Fifteen months have passed since a majority of San Joaquin Valley Episcopal churches, including three in Bakersfield, voted to secede from the U.S Episcopal Church and place themselves under overseas Anglican leadership in December 2008.

Referred to by some as the “schism” within the Episcopal Church, which is the Province of the Anglican Communion in the United States, this split was caused by doctrinal differences over such issues as the interpretation of biblical scriptures, notions on what constitutes redemption, the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of gays as ministers and bishops. Since then, the Episcopal Church has voted that any ordained ministry is open to gays and lesbians.

In Bakersfield, St. Paul’s downtown, All Saints on Gosford Road, and St. Luke’s near the East Hills Mall all changed from Episcopal to Anglican congregations. But a remnant of Episcopal followers who began by calling themselves “Remain Episcopal” has evolved into Grace Episcopal Church, which meets at the small chapel on the campus of First Congregational Church on the corner of Stockdale Highway and Real Road. And there is also a newly formed congregation, Bakersfield Episcopal Church, which meets at Westminster Presbyterian Church, on Stine Road.

More-

http://bakersfieldexpress.org/2010/03/23/local-churches-move-forward-after-the-split/