Schism in our Midst


For Anglicans schism is something to be stay clear of if at all possible. The retention of a hierarchy has put a damper on the Protestant tendencies toward decentralization and divison. So, when a diocese pulls out of it's national body and aligns with a small South American province, one must take notice.

As reported in a Section A story in the LA Times, the numerically small diocese of San Joaquin, led by conservative icon John David Schofield, voted yesterday by an overwhelming majority to secede -- putting the Episcopal Church into a difficult position. It appears that the national leadership will seek to remain present by declaring the episcopate of the diocese vacant and appoint new leadership. But whatever the future, the damage is done.

I'm wondering about the vote, which was 173 to 22. Could the diocese be that conservative? Or, had a number of churches chosen not to participate? Is this all about gays or about broader issues of inclusion (this is one of three dioceses that refuses to ordain women -- and the Presiding Bishop is -- a woman). Somehow I think the issue of a woman Presiding Bishop is as much a factor in this as Gene Robinson. And everyone thought California was such a bastion of liberalism!

I do know that there are churches that will seek to remain within the national church -- how many remains to be seen. There is a group known as Remain Episcopal that seeks to continue that relationship. So schism in the diocese is a given.

Whatever happens in the coming days, we pray for this part of the body of Christ.

Comments

Adam Gonnerman said…
The Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement, of which the Disciples of Christ is a part, has known it share of division. First the split between those who used instruments in worship and those who didn't (we know there were deeper issues involved), and then the separation of the Disciples from the independents when the "brotherhood reorganization" took place. For us (I'm from the independent side and work with a non-instrumental Brazilian church bivocationally) division was fairly easy. Despite lawsuits over propery rights, the congregations were autonomous and therefore able to do it. For the Episcopal church this is a far more complicated issue, challengning the very nature of the Anglican Communion. It's sad, but I'll be interested to see how it plays out. Neither side seems entirely in the right.
Mike L. said…
I don't get. Maybe that is my baptist past speaking. I don't agree with those leaving, but I don't understand why the Episcopal church can't simply let them go do their own thing. What is so wrong with that? How can a church that celebrates diversity not allow these people to leave and find their own way?

Division is a natural form of growth. If organic cells never divided then we wouldn't exist.
Adam Gonnerman said…
Mike,

It is definitely your Baptist background. That tradition and my own share a common commitment to congregational autonomy. The Episcopal Church (United Methodists, Presbyterians and others) has a "connectional" system. When a parish of the Episcopal church votes to leave, the members are free to go anywhere they want. They have to leave the property behind, though, as it actually belongs to the Diocese and ultimately the denomination. Usually local parishes receive loans and grants for building projects from the denomination, as well as other items and services. The departure of a parish or even diocese represents a large material and financial loss to the denomination, which actually owns the property.

The problem with division isn't separation. The trouble is the rancor that is usually involved.
Robert Cornwall said…
Mike and Adam,

As with any divorce it's the children and the property! Having grown up Episcopalian I understand the dynamics (plus I've studied Anglicanism from a scholarly perspective).

Like Adam I'm part of the Stone-Campbell tradition and while unity is our "polar star" division has been our reality. For Anglicans there is a more organic nature of local congregation to the broader denomination -- through bishops. Although the American church is fairly democratic, the tie that binds in the Episcopal tradition is the bishop. What makes this unique is that it's a bishop leading the flock out. He is telling fellow bishops that he rejects their collegiality and has embraced that of another.

Very interesting! And very sad.

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