Appeals court denies breakaway group’s motion in federal lawsuit

From South Carolina-

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit today denied a petition for rehearing filed by attorneys for Mark Lawrence, affirming its March 31 ruling in favor of Bishop Charles G. vonRosenberg of The Episcopal Church in South Carolina that sent vonRosenberg v. Lawrence back to U.S. District Court in Charleston.

The one-page ruling from the appeals court comes only 15 days after the petition for rehearing was filed by attorneys who are representing Bishop Lawrence and others who have left The Episcopal Church.

More here-

http://www.ourgazette.com/article/20150429/MN01/150429662/1014/OG/appeals-court-denies-breakaway-group-x2019-s-motion-in-federal-lawsuit&source=RSS

Diocese of South Carolina accepts provisional oversight from Global South primates

From South Carolina-

Local Anglicans who separated from the Episcopal Church in 2012 approved a resolution Saturday accepting a new provisional oversight that gives them a formal ecclesiastical connection to the global Anglican Communion.

The Diocese of South Carolina will join the Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, a worldwide network of theologically orthodox Anglican churches, and enter a relationship with primates from the Anglican Global South. The Global South comprises growing provinces in Africa, southeast Asia and South America.

"This will give us gracious oversight from one of the largest ecclesiastical body in the (Anglican) Communion," Bishop Mark Lawrence said in his address to the annual diocesan convention.

Lawrence and most local Episcopal parishes separated from the national church because of long-standing administrative and theological disputes. However, the Episcopal Church is a North American province of the Anglican Communion, so the separation left the diocese without a formal connection to the seat of global Anglicanism, the See of Canterbury.

More here-

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140315/PC16/140319517/1002/diocese-of-sc-accepts-provisional-oversight-from-global-south-primates

A Layperson's take on Mark Lawrence's June 21 Letter: from Lynnette Ras, Guest Author

From Acts 2:6-

axtwosix is reposting this piece because of the comments at the end of the article. I encourage participation in this conversation. I even will allow you to comment anonymously, although I would very much like to know who you are. See how nice and understanding I am? Seriously, though, I realize that some of these responses may well be  anonymous because the writers may fear for their jobs---sympahetic, but trapped, in PECDSC (Mark Lawrence's group). My colleagues in PECDSC are in jeopardy of being deposed by the Episcopal Church in short order. For most, this was "done unto them" by PECDSC leadership with no choice or say in the matter. Won't they at least TALK to Bp. von Rosenberg? Weigh their options? Look at what's happening? I have read that both in San Joaquin and in Pittsburgh the clergy were advised to lay low in the run-up to schism in those dioceses. See Jim Simons' post in his blog "Three Rivers Episcopal" (it can be found in the blog list in the side bar to the right). Look for the article entitled "The Case for Staying in the Episcopal Church".  Really sad. Whatever happened to transparency and openness and collegiality? It's not too late. Every bit of what has happened since last October could still be undone with little, if any, consequence. Lynn wonders below what TEC's response would be if any clergy and/or congregations sought to "come back". They would, in fact, be welcomed joyously and with open arms. 

Also, be sure to check out "Why I Stayed" in this blog under "Chris' Reflections"  CH +

http://axtwosix.blogspot.com/

Episcopal diocese kicks off convention with flair despite national divides

From South Carolina-

In an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation, clergy and delegates of the Diocese of South Carolina gathered Friday evening for an opening Eucharist to their 222nd annual convention.
With a theme that focused primarily on moving forward after their split with the national Episcopal Church, spirits were high among the crowd despite the most recent developments in a legal battle over rights to the Diocese’s name, seal and property.

All Saints Church member Libby Phillips said she feels that the Diocese will now be meeting the needs of a group of people that would not be met otherwise.

“We are just so enthusiastic and excited about what’s happening,” Phillips said. “We’re looking to the future and growth and spirituality.”

Participants and clergy present seemed eager to accept Bishop Mark Lawrence’s call to focus on the future and let the courts decide the more complicated matters of the once-Episcopal affiliated group.

More here-

http://www.scnow.com/news/local/article_40207e3a-8866-11e2-85f7-001a4bcf6878.html

More congregations join lawsuit against Episcopal Church

From South Carolina-

A lawsuit filed by the breakaway Diocese of South Carolina against The Episcopal Church — a move to retain control of property and protect the name and seal of the group — was joined today by 15 additional parishes, bringing the total number of congregations participating in the litigation to 31, according to a news release.

The suit was first filed January 4 and included 16 congregations.

An additional 13 congregations have decided to stay with the group associated with Bishop Mark Lawrence, called The Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of South Carolina, according to its administrators.

One of the parishes joining the suit is Trinity Church of Edisto Island, formed in 1774.

More here-

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20130122/PC16/130129768/1268/more-congregations-join-lawsuit-against-episcopal-church&source=RSS

Spokesman for Departed Episcopal Diocese Disputes Renunciation Order

From Christian Post-

A spokesman for the Diocese of South Carolina, which voted to leave The Episcopal Church over theological differences, has denounced the recent decision by the denomination to "accept the renunciation" of their bishop.

Episcopal News Service reported that Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori "has accepted the renunciation of the ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church of Mark Lawrence."

The Rev. Jim Lewis, Canon to the Ordinary for the diocese, told The Christian Post that the official report on the renunciation is inaccurate since Lawrence "never offered a renunciation of his orders."
"The TEC canons are explicit that such a renunciation must be in writing, to the presiding bishop, expressing the desire to be removed," said Lewis.

"None of those criteria have been met because it has never been the intention of Bishop Lawrence to renounce his orders. It is also not canonically possible to consider a request for renunciation while another disciplinary canon is in effect."
More here-

http://www.christianpost.com/news/spokesman-for-departed-episcopal-diocese-disputes-renunciation-order-86216/

Bishop Lawrence Writes Regarding Renunciation

From The Diocese of South Carolina-

December 5, 2012

Dear Friends in Christ,

“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”  2 Corinthians 4:5

The Presiding Bishop called me this afternoon to inform me that she and her council of advice have accepted my renunciation of ordained ministry. I listened quietly, asked a question or two and then told her it was good to hear her voice. I did not feel any need to argue or rebut. It is the Presiding Bishop’s crossing of the T and doting of the I—for their paper work, not my life. I could bring up the canonical problems with what they have done contrary to the canons of The Episcopal Church but to what avail?  They will do what they will do regardless of canonical limitations. That is already well documented by others and hardly needs further documentation by me. She and her advisers will say I have said what I have not said in ways that I have not said them even while they cite words from my Bishop’s Address of November 17, 2012.  

Quite simply I have not renounced my orders as a deacon, priest or bishop any more than I have abandoned the Church of Jesus Christ—But as I am sure you are aware, the Diocese of South Carolina has canonically and legally disassociated from The Episcopal Church. We took this action long before today's attempt at renunciation of orders, therein making it superfluous.   

More here-

http://www.diosc.com/sys/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=476:bishop-lawrence-writes-regarding-renunciation&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=75

PB Removes +Lawrence

From The Living Church-

Citing Title III, Canon 12, Section 7 of the Constitutions and Canons of The Episcopal Church, and following thorough discussion with the Council of Advice, with their advice and consent, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has accepted the renunciation of the ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church of Mark Lawrence as made in his public address on November 17 and she has released him from his orders in this Church.

The Presiding Bishop made the announcement December 5. The Presiding Bishop informed Lawrence by phone, email and mail on December 5. Following that, the House of Bishops was notified.

According to the documents, Lawrence “is therefore removed from the Ordained Ministry of this Church and released from the obligations of all Ministerial offices, and is deprived of the right to exercise the gifts and spiritual authority as a Minister of God’s Word and Sacraments conferred on him in Ordinations. This action is taken for causes that do not affect his moral character.”

The renunciation is effective immediately on December 5.

More here-

http://livingchurch.org/pb-removes-lawrence

South Carolina Diocese Can't Secede Said Katharine Jefferts Schori, Episcopal Presiding Bishop

From Huffington-

Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said Thursday (Nov. 15) that the Diocese of South Carolina can't unilaterally secede from the national church, and urged conservatives to stay despite sharp disputes over theology and homosexuality.

"The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina continues to be a constituent part of The Episcopal Church, even if a number of its leaders have departed," said Jefferts Schori, who heads the 1.9 million-member denomination.

Leaders in the Diocese of South Carolina announced Oct. 17 that disciplinary actions taken against their bishop, Mark Lawrence, triggered their disaffiliation from the Episcopal Church. On Sept. 18, the denomination's Disciplinary Board for Bishops found Lawrence guilty of abandoning the Episcopal Church and renouncing its rules.

The split escalated a long-running feud between the national church, which has approved gay bishops and same-sex marriage, and South Carolina conservatives who oppose the moves.

More here-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/21/south-carolina-episcopal-diocese-secede_n_2149042.html

South Carolina Episcopalians break away from U.S. church

From Reuters-

A majority of parishes in the conservative Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina voted on Saturday to leave the U.S. Episcopal Church over disagreements on issues including the national church's ordination of gay clergy and acceptance of same-sex unions.

The South Carolina diocese is the fifth Episcopalian diocese in the United States to leave the church's national body.

The vote at a convention in Charleston followed the U.S. Episcopal Church's certification last month that South Carolina Bishop Mark J. Lawrence had abandoned the church's doctrine, discipline and worship.

"This has never been about who is welcome or not welcome in our church," Lawrence said at the convention, attended by about 200 people. "It's about what we shall tell them when they come."

But Steve Skardon, a member of a Charleston church that, contrary to the action of its statewide branch, plans to remain in the national church, said of the majority: "They want to tell gay people they're wrong."

More here-

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-religion-episcopalbre8ah00y-20121117,0,3072192.story

SC diocese meets after break with national church

From AP-

The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina is holding a convention to chart a future course after its split with the National Episcopal Church over issues including ordination of gays.

Delegates from many of the approximately 70 congregations in eastern and southern South Carolina are slated to gather Saturday at Saint Phillip's Church in downtown Charleston.

Last month, Bishop Mark Lawrence was notified by the national church's Disciplinary Board for Bishops that he is considered to have abandoned the national church. A letter from the national bishop barred him from performing any ministerial acts.

But the leaders of the local diocese also last month passed a resolution saying it would disaffiliate from the national church if it took any action asserting authority over the diocese, its leaders or members.
Read more:

http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/SC-diocese-meets-after-break-with-national-church-4045811.php#ixzz2CU60Go8w

Episcopal leader says S.C. diocese can't secede

From South Carolina-

While clergy and parishioners from one of the nation's oldest dioceses meet to chart a future outside the Episcopal church, the church's national bishop has issued a pastoral letter saying the Diocese of South Carolina can't leave the mother church of its own accord.

"While some leaders have expressed a desire to leave the Episcopal Church, the diocese has not left," Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori wrote in a letter Thursday. "It cannot, by its own action. The alteration, dissolution, or departure of a diocese of The Episcopal Church requires the consent of the General Convention, which has not been consulted."

But leaders of the diocese, who have split with the national church over issues including ordination of gays, do not see it that way.

In an Oct. 15 letter, Jefferts Schori informed diocesan Bishop Mark Lawrence that he is considered to have abandoned the church and is barred from performing any "Episcopal, ministerial or canonical arts" while the full House of Bishops investigates.

More here-

http://www.theitem.com/news/episcopal-leader-says-s-c-diocese-can-t-secede/article_c9b1eba7-0767-5fa7-b364-5804d624436d.html

Disciplinary Board says South Carolina bishop has abandoned church

From ENS-

The Disciplinary Board for Bishops has certified to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori that Diocese of South Carolina Bishop Mark Lawrence has abandoned the Episcopal Church “by an open renunciation of the discipline of the church.”

The presiding bishop spoke by phone to Lawrence on Oct. 15 to inform him of the Disciplinary Board action and to tell him that, effective noon of that day, the exercise of his ministry was restricted, according to an Oct. 17 press release from the church’s Office of Public Affairs. He is not permitted to perform any acts as an ordained person.

Lawrence has 60 days to respond to the allegations in the certification, the release said.
“These actions make it clear the Episcopal Church no longer desires to be affiliated with the Diocese of South Carolina,” the diocese said in an Oct. 17 statement on its website.

The diocese said that the action “triggered two pre-existing corporate resolutions of the diocese, which simultaneously disaffiliated the diocese from the Episcopal Church and called a special convention.” That convention will be held Nov. 17 at St. Philip’s Church, Charleston.

more here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/10/17/disciplinary-board-says-south-carolina-bishop-has-abandoned-episcopal-church/

Bishop Lawrence Meets with Clergy of the Diocese of South Carolina Following General Convention

From South Carolina-

On Wednesday, July 25^th, the Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence met with the clergy of the Diocese of South Carolina at St. Paul’s Church, in Summerville, to discuss decisions made at General Convention 2012 and their significance for us as a diocese. In particular, he shared the address he made to the House of Bishops, while in executive session, announcing his decision to depart from Convention with five members of our deputation.

The central purpose of his presentation to the Bishops was to convey his understanding that with the passage of Resolutions D002 and D019 (making all possible variations of “gender identity and gender expression” protected categories in the canons of the church), and the adoption of authorized provisional rites to bless same gender relationships, the doctrine, discipline and worship of this church have been profoundly changed.

He told the Bishops that the magnitude of these changes was such that he could no longer in good conscience continue in the business of the Convention. In fact, he was left with the grave question of whether he could continue as a bishop of an institution that had adopted such changes. It was with that question on the table that he took his leave from the House of Bishops.

More here-

http://www.diosc.com/sys/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=435:bishop-lawrence-meets-with-clergy-of-the-diocese-of-south-carolina-following-general-convention&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=75

Protestant churches losing members with approval of same-sex 'marriages'

From Catholic Online-

Shortly after the U.S. Episcopal Church voted to approve a provisional rite for gay unions, Bishop Lawrence said in an interview with NBC News that his denomination is moving from out of the mainstream.

"Do I think that these two decisions will cause further decline? I believe they will," Bishop Lawrence said. "I think we've entered into a time of sexual and gender anarchy."

Memberships at Presbyterian, Methodist and Lutherans have fallen over the past few decades, and some observers attribute to their supposed leftward drift.

"Practically every denomination - Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian - that has tried to adapt itself to contemporary liberal values has seen an Episcopal-style plunge in church attendance," wrote columnist and author Ross Douthat in a New York Times editorial.

More here-

http://www.catholic.org/hf/faith/story.php?id=47006

Beaufort County Episcopal church reactions vary to bishop's letter on same-sex blessings

From South Carolina-

Not all local Episcopal Church leaders agree with a recent letter from the diocesan bishop strongly opposing same-sex blessings, but they said they will comply.

The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina circulated the letter to his Lowcountry congregations Sunday, condemning the actions of the national Episcopal church on same-sex blessing and gender issues and said he would open talks this week about the future of the diocese in the U.S. church.

The letter from the Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence is the clearest indication yet that he does not believe the conservative diocese can tolerate the latest changes in church doctrine approved at the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church that just concluded in Indianapolis.

The Rev. Jeffrey Miller, rector of The Parish Church of St. Helena in Beaufort, and the Rev. Charles Owens III, rector of The Church of the Cross in Bluffton, said they fully support and approve of Lawrence's letter and views.

Read more here:

http://www.islandpacket.com/2012/07/17/2137637/beaufort-episcopal-church-reactions.html#storylink=cpy

Is liberal Christianity signing its own death warrant?

From MSNBC-

The Rt. Rev. Mark Joseph Lawrence, the Episcopal bishop of South Carolina, fears for the future of his church.

One week after the U.S. Episcopal Church overwhelmingly voted to approve a provisional rite for blessing gay unions and the ordination of transgender people, Bishop Lawrence said in an interview with NBC News that his denomination is moving too far out of the mainstream.
"Do I think that these two decisions will cause further decline? I believe they will," Bishop Lawrence said. "I think we've entered into a time of sexual and gender anarchy."

Lawrence's comments come amid a growing debate over the future of so-called mainline Christian churches: Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, some Lutherans and more. These denominations, which are generally more liberal than their evangelical counterparts, have been in decline for decades, a trend some observers attribute to their supposed leftward drift.

More here-

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/19/12811129-is-liberal-christianity-signing-its-own-death-warrant?lite

Bishop Lawrence Addresses Diocese Following 77th General Convention

From Mark Lawrence in South Carolina-

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Some of you have actively followed the decisions of the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church. Others have been blissfully unaware that our denomination even had a General Convention. We have. And the actions taken mark a significant and distressing departure from the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ as this Church has received them.

In conversations with clergy, and from the emails I have received, I know there is much uneasiness about the future. Some of us are experiencing the well-known stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, and depression. And, of course, I must acknowledge there are those for whom the recent decisions are a cause for celebration. For me there are certainly things about which I was thankful at the convention in Indianapolis. I might even have taken encouragement from the resolutions that were passed regarding needed structural reform, and for the intentional work in the House of Bishops on matters of collegiality and honesty. Unfortunately, these strike me now as akin to a long overdue rearranging of the furniture when the house is on fire. Why do I say this?

http://www.diosc.com/sys/images/documents/lawrence_ltr_7_15_12_2_pg.pdf

Beaufort County Episcopal church reactions vary to bishop's letter on same-sex blessings

From South Carolina-

Not all local Episcopal Church leaders agree with a recent letter from the diocesan bishop strongly opposing same-sex blessings, but they said they will comply.

The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina circulated the letter to his Lowcountry congregations Sunday, condemning the actions of the national Episcopal church on same-sex blessing and gender issues and said he would open talks this week about the future of the diocese in the U.S. church.

The letter from the Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence is the clearest indication yet that he does not believe the conservative diocese can tolerate the latest changes in church doctrine approved at the 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church that just concluded in Indianapolis.

The Rev. Jeffrey Miller, rector of The Parish Church of St. Helena in Beaufort, and the Rev. Charles Owens III, rector of The Church of the Cross in Bluffton, said they fully support and approve of Lawrence's letter and views.

"Where we stand is very simple," Miller said. "We stand foursquare behind the bishop, and we're in total agreement with the letter that he wrote.:

The Rev. Gregory Kronz, rector for St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island, was on a mission trip and could not be reached. In the past, the three churches have issued joint letters and statements opposing same-sex blessings.

Read more here:

http://www.islandpacket.com/2012/07/17/2137637/beaufort-episcopal-church-reactions.html#storylink=cpy

Province IV bishops call meeting with colleague ‘honest, forthright’

From ENS-

Six of the 20 Province IV diocesan bishops said Dec. 15 that their meeting the previous day with their colleague, Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina Bishop Mark Lawrence, was characterized by “gracious hospitality and collegiality” but not complete agreement.

The bishops of the Episcopal Church’s Province IV had asked Lawrence Dec. 5 to meet with them “to have a clarifying conversation” about his decision to issue property deeds to each diocesan congregation.

At Lawrence’s direction, Diocesan Chancellor Wade Logan Nov. 16 sent a quitclaim deed to every parish in the diocese. A quitclaim deed generally transfers ownership of the property from the party issuing the deed to the recipient.

In a statement e-mailed by Diocese of Upper South Carolina Bishop W. Andrew Waldo and later posted on the South Carolina diocesan website, the bishops said that they were a “representative group who were available at the appointed time and date.”

In addition to Waldo and Lawrence, the bishops present at the meeting were Diocese of Georgia Bishop Scott Benhase, Diocese of North Carolina Bishop Michael Curry, Diocese of East Carolina Bishop Clifton Daniel III, Diocese of West Tennessee Bishop Don Johnson and Diocese of Western North Carolina Bishop G. Porter Taylor.

Daniel, the provincial vice president, had requested the meeting with Lawrence, saying that the other provincial bishops want to know under what canonical authority he proceeded, whether he involved the diocesan Standing Committee, and whether the members of the Standing Committee were in accord with his action. Daniel also asked who signed the quitclaim deeds.

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2011/12/15/province-iv-bishops-call-meeting-with-colleague-honest-forthright/