San Joaquin Diocese Contemplates Schism?

Just a month ago, maybe less, we heard about the decision of two prominent Virginia parishes of the Episcopal Church to leave the this communion. Now the San Joaquin, California diocese, led by Bishop John-David Schofield, is considering leaving in mass and align with another episcopal jurisdiction, either in South America or Africa.

An interesting article by Louis Sahagun appears today in the LA Times. It is really distressing news. Although I've not been an Episcopalian since the mid 1970s, when I began my youthful journey in search of my own faith, my mother remains a devoted Episcopalian and my own historical work centers on the Anglican tradition (17th/18th centuries). The diocese is composed of about 47 congregations, not all of similar mind. But at least a majority is of this mindset, and not surprisingly since the current bishop has been there nearly 20 years and likely his predecessor was conservative. The San Joaquin Valley (The Big Valley for those who remember the show) is much more conservative as a whole than the Bay Area or LA. It has long resisted ordination of women (so not surprised about the problem with homosexuality). One of his critics, Fresno area pastor Keith Axberg, suggests that Schofield's biggest achievement is the "destruction of a diocese."

Because property is involved, the Civil Courts will be involved as well, which is a shame, but necessary. The Episcopal Church, which has long been a prominent voice in American life, is being torn asunder and that is disquieting. What is interesting to me is the manner in which a diocese that is so outside the national mainstream is able to sustain itself with clergy. What I discovered on the diocese's website is a school of ministry that partners with the local Mennonite Brethren Seminary and Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry in Virginia.

Whatever happens in this little diocese is sure to have a ripple effect, dividing congregations and dioceses. We've already seen this happen with the American Baptists in Southern California.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I am an average Episcopalian from the Diocese of San Joaquin, CA who is disheartened by my Bishop and my church priest wanting to leave the Episcopal Church and be "Anglican" and affiliate with a province of the Anglican Communion in Africa. I have recently transferred to St. John's,Lodi, a "Remain Episcopal" parish in the diocese. I am not knowledgable nor really wish to be about the theological principles that are causing this division. I am not concerned with who or which organization has the"truth" about women and gay ordination and other issues. I only know that we each have a limited amount of time in this life and I want to spend it working for the betterment of mankind, stopping wars, eradicating poverty, helping the sick and vulnerable and saving the enviroment. I don't want to spend my time arguing about the merits of Anglicanism versus being an Episcopalian. There is work to do--let's get to it and do God's work.
Robert Cornwall said…
Jeanne,

I think you express the feelings of many who feel caught in the middle of forces beyond their control and which tear apart congregations and denominations. My mother is a strong Episcopalian who doesn't understand the fuss. But much of this fuss is of recent vintage, as the Episcopal church has always been a big tent. Though no longer an Episcopalian, I weep for the church of my birth and hope that it can find a way through these difficult times.

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