Pastor confronts difficult decisions

From Stockton CA-

Stockton's Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist, along with the entire San Joaquin Diocese, split off from the mother church in 2007 in a principled but destructive schism over gays.

These conservatives, opposed to same-sex marriage and ordination, affiliated with a distant Anglican church that shares their views.

St. John's soon found itself sued by the diocese it left. The diocese wants its property back - specifically, the downtown church at 117 E. Miner Ave., a building so historic the land for it was donated by Stockton's pioneer founder Charles M. Weber.

A lower court ruled, in effect, the breakaway Episcopalians can go wherever they want, and believe whatever they want, but they cannot take church property with them.

The breakaway diocese has appealed.

The latest twist involves the man who was pastor of St. John's in the run-up to the schism.

Rev. Daniel H. Martins, St. John's pastor for 13 years, has become a bishop-elect in the Diocese of Springfield, Ill. - but in the original denomination.

The denomination St. John's decided to leave while Martins led it.

Some Episcopalians feel betrayed.

"I'm very surprised that he's turned around and has decided to go back to the Episcopal Church," said Al Lingo, "because he was a very, very avid opponent, and he led St. John's parishioners away from the Episcopal Church. And I'm sure it's a great, great surprise to the people of St. John's."

More here-

http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101031/A_NEWS0803/10310312/-1/A_NEWS07