From The Living Church-
Two days after the Bishop of South Carolina announced a ceasefire in a long-standing property dispute, another large parish took final steps in separating from the Episcopal Church.
On March 27 the Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence told the diocese’s annual convention that All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Waccamaw, and All Saints’ Church (Anglican Mission in the Americas) had reached an out-of-court settlement in their legal battle for church property.
On March 29 the congregation of St. Andrew’s, Mt. Pleasant, acted on a parish survey in December 2009 that recommended leaving the Episcopal Church to affiliate with the Anglican Church in North America’s Diocese of the Holy Spirit.
The Rev. Steve Wood, rector of St. Andrew’s, wrote to members of his congregation that the new affiliation will occur by April 2.
Wood reported that a preliminary count of the congregation’s votes showed 97 percent in favor of leaving the Episcopal Church for the ACNA. The votes will be certified by an independent accounting firm.
“Unity and discernment are both gifts worked in our lives by the Spirit,” he wrote. “Having said that, I am reminded that at least 19 members of St. Andrew’s may not be rejoicing in this vote and I commend them to you and your prayers as brothers and sisters in Christ. Please commit with me to ensure that St. Andrew’s will remain a parish where all are welcome to gather at the foot of the cross; sinners yet redeemed by the wonderful work of Christ.”
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2010/3/30/st-andrews-plans-departure-from-sc-diocese
1 comment:
Do the good people of St.Andrew's believe they can continue to use properties that were entrusted to their use and care as members of body other than Anglican Mission in America?
Given that Matthias was chosen by casting lots, I guess a parish survey can trump a diocese in convention with a bishop -- the one seated when St. Andrew's joined the diocese -- ordained in apostolic succession and a standing committee elected by representatives of every worshipping community of the diocese when it comes to discerning the will of God's Holy Spirit. Reminds me of the time that my children's Sunday School decided to vote on the gender of rabbit brought to show and tell. Bunch of congregationalists in vestments drinking win every sunday. These people sicken me.
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