Divide was too wide to discuss

Local churches still find common ground in ministry that eluded those in Central Florida.

By SHERRI DAY, Times Staff Writer
Published November 6, 2007

Six churches in the Diocese of Central Florida, which has 44,000 members and stretches from Citrus County to Vero Beach, recently announced plans to sever ties with the Episcopal Church and the diocese. Two church affiliates also plan to break away. The move brings the debate closer to the Tampa Bay area, home to 33,000 Episcopalians.

Why did the Central Florida churches decide to leave?

The controversy stems from the Episcopal Church's decision to consecrate the Rev. V. Gene Robinson, an openly gay bishop in 2003, and bless same-sex marriages. For many Episcopalians, the 2006 election of the Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori as presiding bishop further splintered the denomination. She also voted to confirm Robinson. And some Episcopalians take issue with her for refusing to state that Jesus is the only way to God.

Where are the affected churches and members?

Gloria Dei Church in Cocoa; Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland; St. Edward's Church in Mount Dora; Grace Church in Ocala; Trinity Church in Vero Beach and Holy Cross Church in Winter Haven, according to officials at the Diocese of Central Florida. The church affiliates are from St. Philip's in Lake Nona and St. Nicholas in Poinciana.

Why are the churches leaving now?

"We're not dialoguing anymore," said the Rev. Paul Young, rector at Gloria Dei Church in Cocoa. The consecration of a gay bishop "is done, and it's held up as a standard in a church. ... Within our diocese, our bishop is highly respected. But he also has said he is going to stand behind the Episcopal Church. It makes it more difficult for us in that we do love our bishop." Bishop John Howe, who leads the diocese, declined to comment on the impending departures.

What happens to churches that announce plans to leave a denomination?

The diocese and the affected parishes must decide what will happen to church property. Some parishes may ask to rent the property from the diocese and others may seek to claim ownership outright. In rancorous negotiations, the decision may be meted out in court.

What does this mean for churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida?

"We're in a different situation than Central Florida is right now," said Jim Dela, spokesman for the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, which stretches from Brooksville to Marco Island. "We have a brand new bishop. He's still getting to know us and the congregations are still getting to know him. Truthfully, I don't know of any churches off hand that are actually considering leaving the diocese or leaving the Episcopal Church. That was one of the legacies that (retired Bishop) John Lipscomb left, that there was room at the table for differing points of view. And we can still find ways to do ministry together."

Sherri Day can be reached at 813-226-3405 or sday@sptimes.com.

[Last modified November 6, 2007, 00:07:38]