Leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida called off the meeting because of tensions over the election of a gay bishop.
By Associated Press
Published October 13, 2003
PUNTA GORDA - The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida voted to stop a convention already in session, hoping to calm fears of an exodus from the national church over its decision to name a gay bishop.
Since the national church convention elevated a gay priest to bishop of New Hampshire this summer, there has been a threat of a divide between those who are comfortable with the election of Gene Robinson and those who believe it violates Anglican traditions.
"In light of the rapidly unfolding events that surround us, I ask that we break and reconvene," Bishop John B. Lipscomb told 500 delegates Saturday in Punta Gorda.
The diocese, which extends along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico from Brooksville to Marco Island, is scheduled to give $428,000 to the national church this year, but some at the convention were opposed to that because of the gay issue.
"Now is not the time to declare our lives cut off from one another," Lipscomb said. "What we do need is constructive engagement with one another.
"Our primary concern must remain the mission of the church at home and abroad."
The diocese plans to finish the convention in what it termed a "timely fashion," possibly six to eight weeks.
The break in the convention coincides with a special meeting requested by the Archbishop of Canterbury in London.
Primates of the Anglican Communion will meet Wednesday and Thursday to discuss Robinson's election and the approval of same-sex blessings at a summer convention.
